Priority Need Explained

Understanding who qualifies for priority need, what vulnerable groups are included, and how councils assess it.

Relevant for:

Currently Homeless

At Risk

Important Warnings

Do not assume you are not in priority need. Many people qualify due to mental health, domestic abuse history, or other vulnerabilities they do not realize count.
Councils sometimes wrongly reject priority need applications. Always get advice before accepting their decision.

Priority need means the council must provide you with accommodation if you are homeless and eligible. Not everyone is in priority need.
You are in priority need if you are pregnant, have dependent children living with you, are 16-17 years old, are a care leaver aged 18-20, or are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, disability, domestic abuse, or having been in prison or the armed forces.
The council will assess your circumstances and may require medical evidence or supporting letters from professionals.
If you are not in priority need, the council still has a duty to help you find accommodation, but they do not have to provide it.

You have the right to request a review if the council decides you are not in priority need.
The council must explain their decision in writing and tell you about your right to review.
You can provide additional evidence during a review if your circumstances change or were not properly considered.