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Help if you are homeless or about to lose your home
In England your council must help if you are homeless or will be within 8 weeks. You can be legally homeless without sleeping on the street, for example if you are locked out, at risk of violence or living in very poor conditions.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: help if you are homeless www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness | England |
| GOV.UK: homelessness help from your council www.gov.uk/homelessness-help-from-council | England |
| GOV.WALES: support if you are homeless www.gov.wales/support-if-you-are-homeless-or-about-become-homeless | Wales |
| mygov.scot: if you are homeless www.mygov.scot/if-youre-homeless | Scotland |
| nidirect: homelessness www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/homelessness | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Handled by your local council This procedure is done with the council where you live. Find your council »
Step by step
- Contact your local council as soon as you know you may lose your home (in Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive).
- The council checks whether you are eligible, whether you are in priority need (for example pregnancy, children or vulnerability) and why you became homeless.
- Depending on that, it may give advice, emergency housing, help to stay in your home or help to find longer term housing.
- Check if you can get free legal advice through legal aid, and help with rent through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
What you need
- Any letter or notice asking you to leave your home.
- Details of everyone who lives with you, including children.
- Proof of your immigration status if you are not British or Irish, as eligibility can depend on it.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you are on the street. Ask for help as early as possible.
- Thinking you are not homeless because you have a roof, for example sofa surfing or living somewhere unsafe.