Being homeless is not just about living on the streets. You may be legally homeless if you have nowhere to stay or it’s not possible for you to keep living where you are. That could be because the place where you live is:

• unsafe – for example, because you’re at risk of violence or the property needs repairs
• overcrowded
• unsuitable for you – for example, because you have health or care needs. 

You may be considered homeless if you’re sofa surfing (staying temporarily in other people’s homes) or living with friends or family.

You may also be considered homeless or at risk of homelessness if you’re facing eviction or repossession – for example, because your tenancy has ended, or you can no longer afford to pay your rent or mortgage.

The type of help you can get depends on your situation and where you are in the UK. It may include advice, support to find somewhere to live, emergency housing or help to stay in your home. Contact your council if you’re homeless or will become homeless within the next eight weeks.

• In England – your council will assess your situation and make a plan to resolve or prevent your homelessness.
• In Scotland – your council must give you information and advice. If you qualify, they must find you somewhere to stay.
• In Wales – if you’re homeless or at risk of losing your home, your council can help you find somewhere to live and put you in touch with support organisations.

Your council may not help you if they decide you’ve made yourself intentionally homeless. Seek advice before you do anything like moving out or ending a tenancy. You can speak to an advice service like Shelter or Citizens Advice, or call our Helpline on 0800 319 6789.

You will need to make a homeless application to the council if you want them to help you. It’s a good idea to apply even if you’re not sure you qualify for help. The council must consider each case.

You can apply in various ways:

• online – there may be a form you can complete on the council’s website
• by email – you can find a template to help you write your email on the Shelter website
• by phone – it can be hard to get through, but keep trying
• by going to a council office in person.

When you contact your council, tell them you want to make a homeless application.

You can apply to any council, but the council may look for a local connection. This could be somewhere you’ve lived or worked recently, or where you have family. Visit Gov.uk if you’re in England or Wales, or Shelter Scotland, to find contact details. 

After you apply, you should have an interview with a homelessness officer. This is to find out more about your situation. You’ll need to take certain documents with you and proof that you are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This may include:

• proof of identity
• information about your income, including any benefits you’re getting
• bills with your name and address on
• information about your health or disabilities, if relevant, such as letters from a hospital or GP
• any eviction notices you’ve received
• letters from family or friends stating that you can no longer live with them. 

If the council agree that you meet the conditions for help, they will create a personal housing plan with you that explains any actions the council will take. This could be help to stay in your home or they may have to help you find somewhere to live. This could be in the private rented sector or social housing, but it may not be in the area where you are applying.

You will also have to agree to take action to help yourself – for example, you may have to seek debt advice, claim benefits or bid for properties. 

You can find more information about the application process where you live on the Shelter websites:

• Shelter England
• Shelter Scotland
• Shelter Cymru. 

You can also contact Shelter or another advice organisation like Citizens Advice if the council refuses to help you. Or call our Helpline to arrange to speak to an adviser.

You may be able to get free legal advice if you’re at risk of losing your home or you’ve been made homeless. Contact Civil Legal Advice in England and Wales. In Scotland, contact the Law Society of Scotland. To find out about civil legal aid, visit mygov.scot.

In England and Wales, you have a right to emergency housing if you make a homeless application to the council and all the following apply. 

You:

• are legally homeless
• have a priority need
• qualify for help (this is based on your immigration status). 

You have a priority need for housing if you are vulnerable to the effects of homelessness. This means it would be particularly difficult for you to find a new home or you would be at greater risk of harm if you were homeless. For example, you may be considered vulnerable because of:

• your age
• domestic abuse
• a mental illness or learning disability
• a health condition or physical disability. 

In Scotland, priority need does not apply. The council must provide temporary accommodation to anyone who applies and has nowhere suitable to stay.

Emergency (temporary) housing will probably mean staying in a hostel, a refuge or bed and breakfast accommodation. You’ll have to pay rent, but you may qualify for Housing Benefit. If you’re already getting Universal Credit, you will not be able to get a housing payment. You’ll need to apply for Housing Benefit.

You can still apply for benefits if you're on the streets, sofa surfing or staying in a hostel. If you do not have a fixed address when you apply, you could use the address of a:

• hostel you're staying in
• friend or family member
• day centre
• local jobcentre.

You can find out more about claiming benefits and your rights at Shelter England, Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru. 

You can also use our benefits calculator to find out what you may be entitled to or call our free Helpline for a benefits check.

If you were already getting benefits before you became homeless, you’ll need to tell the relevant benefits office about the change in your situation.

If you need money in an emergency, you may be able to get extra help from your council, such as a crisis loan or grant. To find out more about the help available, read our webpage Extra support with the cost of living if you're on a low income.

You should be able to open a basic bank account even if you have no fixed address. Shelter has a guide to how to open a bank account if you’re homeless.

You may be able to collect your pension or benefits through the Payment Exception Service if you do not have a bank account. You’ll get a voucher code or a payment card that you can use at a PayPoint outlet or Post Office.

You can still access healthcare if you’re homeless. You do not need proof of address to register with a GP surgery. A GP can refer you to other health services if you need them. 

You can find details of local services on the NHS websites in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales.