Can I get help?

Most people are eligible for assistance from their local council, including refugees. The law regarding homelessness is complicated. The Housing Authority does not have to provide accommodation to everyone. There are different types of help available depending on your circumstances. If you are told that you are not entitled to assistance seek the help of an advice agency. Some are listed on this website!

• If you think you are homeless or are threatened with homelessness you need to seek advice as soon as possible!

Aged Between 16 - 25?

If you are 16 or 17

You are still classed as a minor. Social Services and the Council Housing Department have a duty to assist you as you are classed as "Vulnerable" and "In Priority Need".

Some councils have joint working protocols for 16 and 17 year olds. This means that these departments have agreed to a way of helping you if you are homeless. They will try to support you with a young person's support worker but you may have to ask about this!

• If you are found to be in priority need the council has to offer you temporary accommodation.
• If you are found not to be in priority need the council need only offer you advice and assistance
• 16 and 17 year olds have rights under "The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. ASK SOCIAL SERVICES IF THEY CAN HELP. THIS IS YOUR RIGHT! (This may also apply up to 21 years of age or beyond)

Housing Associations
Some Housing Associations will house 16 and 17 year olds. You may try to find out about any supported housing schemes especially if you think you need help to live independently or if you are a care-leaver, ex-offender or have drug/alcohol problems.

Leaving Your Parents Home
If you leave your parents home you must remember that it is can be costly and you need to make sure that you have enough money to fully support yourself. It is always cheaper to stay at home if that option is open to you.

• If you leave your parents home and wish to claim benefits you must prove that you cannot return there. This is usually done by the benefits agency contacting your parent(s) and being convinced you have been told to leave with no chance of returning or, that you are suffering to such a degree that your health is threatened by living there.
• If you are 16 or 17 your parent(s) need not be involved if you have good reason!

If you are 18 or over

You are classed as an adult and although the range of services and housing available to you is greater you need to remember that houses and flats are limited and young people are still treated with caution. There are specific rules that apply to do with Housing Benefit to anyone under 25 which can limit the amount of money you can get towards your rent.

How do I know if I am "In Priority Need"?
You are "In Priority Need if;

• You are 16 or 17 years old, unless you have been the responsibility of social services and have been in their care
• You are 18-20 and used to be in care
• You are responsible for dependent children
• You, or someone you live with is pregnant
• You are homeless as a result of flood, fire or other disaster
• You are vulnerable
• You have been in the armed forces or prison, custody or detention in the past and are deemed to be vulnerable as a result
• You can no longer stay in your home because someone has been violent or abusive towards you, or has threatened you with violence

How do I know I whether I am "Vulnerable" or not?
The Council needs to assess whether your are vulnerable or not. In doing this they need consider whether your personal circumstances make it particularly difficult for you to find and keep accommodation.

How long does it take?
It can take the council some time to make all its enquiries but this is usually done within 33 days. if there is any indication that you may be in priority need the council have a duty to arrange temporary accommodation for you whilst they make their decision.

Am I Intentionally Homeless?
Even if you are in priority need, the council may decide that you have made yourself homeless by;

• Choosing to leave a home which you could have stayed in
• It was your fault you lost your home
• You arranged to be made homeless to take advantage of the system

If the council find you intentionally homeless and you are "In Priority Need" they should provide you with temporary accommodation. If you have children the council must ask if you would like help from social services.