Help from your council if you’re homeless

Being homeless is not just about living on the streets. You may be considered legally homeless, or at risk of homelessness, if:

• you have nowhere to live in the UK or abroad
• you’re living in poor conditions or your home is unsafe – for example, if it needs repairs, or there is damp or mould
• you’re at risk of violence or abuse
• your home is no longer suitable for you – for example, because you have health or care needs
• the place you live in is overcrowded
• you’re sofa surfing (staying temporarily in other people’s homes) or living with friends or family
• 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
• you’re returning to the UK after living abroad.

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 contact our free Helpline.

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 different ways:

• online – there may be a form you can complete on the council’s website
• by email – Shelter have an email template you can use if you live in England
• by phone – it can be hard to get through, but keep trying
• by going to a council office in person.

Your council should also have an out of hours phone number that you can use if you become homeless at night or over the weekend. If you do not feel safe, you can also go to your local police station.

When you contact your council, tell them you want to make a homeless application. Read our guide How to make a homeless application for more information.

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. If you're in England or Wales, visit Gov.uk to find contact details, or Shelter Scotland. 

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. This explains any actions the council will take. They may have to help you stay in your home or 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. The council can stop helping you if you do not do these things.

You can find more information about the application process where you live at:

• Shelter England
• Shelter Scotland
• Shelter Cymru. 

If the council refuse to help you, contact Shelter or another advice organisation like Citizens Advice – or contact our free Helpline.

You may be able to get free legal advice if you’re at risk of losing your home or you’ve been made homeless. In England and Wales, you can get legal aid if you are facing eviction or repossession. Contact your nearest Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service for more information. 

In Scotland, contact the Law Society of Scotland. Visit mygov.scot to find out about civil legal aid.

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. 

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

Emergency or 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 might move to short-term housing if the council decide you should get housing for longer. For more information, see our webpage Short-term accommodation if you're homeless.

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 contact our free Helpline for a benefits check.

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

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.