Understanding Homelessness Support
Homelessness support in the UK is designed to help people who do not have a safe or suitable place to live, or who are at risk of losing their home. This support is available to individuals and families facing different types of housing difficulties, including those sleeping rough, staying in temporary accommodation, or facing eviction.
Local councils play a key role in providing homelessness support. They have a legal duty to assess your situation and offer help if you meet certain criteria. This can include advice, emergency accommodation, or longer-term housing solutions. The main responsibilities of councils are set out in laws such as the Homelessness Act 2002, which explains what support must be given and to whom.
Everyone has certain rights when it comes to homelessness support. If you are homeless or at risk, you have the right to ask your local council for help. The law outlines who qualifies for assistance and what type of help should be provided. Understanding your legal rights can make it easier to get the support you need.
Homelessness support is one part of the wider system of housing assistance in the UK. Other options, such as council housing, may also be available depending on your circumstances. For a broader look at how homelessness support fits within the overall legal framework for housing, see our guide to Housing Assistance: Legal Overview for the UK.
Who Qualifies for Homelessness Support?
Being homeless means you do not have a safe or suitable place to live. You may also be classed as homeless if you are at risk of losing your home within the next eight weeks. For example, if you are facing eviction, living in unsafe conditions, or cannot stay with friends or family, you may qualify for support.
Local councils must assess anyone who asks for help. To qualify for homelessness support, you usually need to meet certain criteria. These include proving you are legally homeless or at risk, and that you have a right to live in the UK. Councils will also look at your personal circumstances, such as your age, health needs, and whether you have children or are vulnerable.
It is important to provide evidence of your situation when applying for help. Councils use this information to decide what support you are entitled to. You can read more about the factors councils consider and how to strengthen your application in our guide on Homelessness and Threat of Homelessness.
For more detailed information, the government’s official Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities – Guidance – GOV.UK explains the rules councils must follow when assessing homelessness applications.
How Local Councils Must Help You
When you ask your local council for help with homelessness, they have legal duties to support you. Councils must assess your situation and offer advice and assistance. This includes helping you stay in your current home if possible, or finding somewhere else to live.
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, the council may provide temporary accommodation while they look into your case. Your rights in temporary housing depend on your circumstances, but you should be given safe and suitable accommodation. To learn more about what to expect, see our guide on Emergency and Temporary Housing.
Councils can also help you search for a permanent home. This might mean helping you apply for council housing or supporting you to find a private rental. If you have special circumstances, you may find it helpful to read about Registering and Applying for Council Housing for more information on your options.
When the Council Must Rehouse You: Main Housing Duty
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, the council has a legal duty to help in certain situations. This is known as the "main housing duty." The duty is triggered when the council decides you are eligible for help, legally homeless, and in priority need. If these conditions are met, the council must offer you suitable long-term accommodation.
To get this support, you must make a homelessness application to your local council. After your application, the council will assess your situation. If you qualify, they must find you suitable housing or help you secure it. You can read more about the specific circumstances that trigger this duty, what the council must provide, and what to expect during the process in our detailed guide: When the Council Must Rehouse You: Main Housing Duty.
If you are interested in how homelessness support might affect your application for council housing, see our section on Special Circumstances in Council Housing Applications.
For practical steps on starting your application, you may find the homelessness application process on Wandsworth Borough Council’s website helpful as an example.
Other Housing Options and Support Services
If you are homeless or at risk, there are several housing options and support services that may help.
Social housing is affordable accommodation provided by councils or housing associations. It’s often allocated based on need, and waiting lists can be long in some areas. To understand the process and see if you qualify, read our simple guide on applying for social housing.
If you have additional needs – such as a physical or mental health condition – supported or specialist housing could be suitable. These schemes offer extra help, such as on-site support staff or tailored facilities. Find out more about supported and specialist housing and how it could benefit you.
Accessible housing is available for people with disabilities or mobility issues. Councils and housing providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure your home meets your needs. Learn more about your rights to disability adjustments and accessible housing.
For those escaping domestic abuse, there are safe places to stay. Refuge housing for domestic abuse offers emergency accommodation and support in a confidential environment. You can also explore other housing options for domestic abuse survivors for further guidance and legal information.
Each of these options has its own application process and eligibility rules. It’s important to seek advice and consider the best fit for your situation.
Steps to Take if You Need Homelessness Support
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, it is important to act quickly. Your local council is your first point of contact for support. You can usually get in touch by phone, online, or by visiting the council’s housing department in person. Let them know about your situation as soon as possible – they have a duty to help if you are eligible.
Before you contact the council, try to gather important information and documents. This may include proof of your identity, details about your current living situation, income, and any notice you’ve received from your landlord. Having these ready can help speed up your application.
If the council decides not to help or you disagree with their decision, you have the right to ask for a review. There are clear processes for complaining about council housing decisions, including escalating your case to the Housing Ombudsman if needed.
If you need more support or legal advice, there are charities, advice centres, and legal professionals who can help. For a broader understanding of your rights and how to apply for help with housing costs, see our guide on applying for help with housing costs.
Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can guide you through each step – whether you need clear answers about your rights, help understanding council decisions, or support drafting letters and appeals. If you’re unsure what to do next, Contend can provide tailored advice based on your unique situation, making it easier to take action and get the help you need.
