Am I homeless?

> You do not have to be sleeping on the streets to be classed as homeless, e.g. you could be sleeping on a friend’s floor.
> You should be considered homeless if you have no accommodation, which you have a right to live in, or if you have accommodation which isn’t reasonable for you to stay in.
> It’s not reasonable for you to stay somewhere if you are at risk of violence or are living in dangerous conditions. You could also be considered homeless if you are living in an overcrowded property.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR HELP?
Even if you are homeless and in priority need you still may not be eligible for help if you have come from abroad and there are restrictions on your stay in the UK.

AM I IN PRIORITY NEED?
You will be in priority need if you are homeless and:
> You are responsible for a child/children
> You are pregnant
> You are homeless because of a disaster such as fire
> You are at risk of serious violence
> You are vulnerable. This means that you are at risk more when homeless than other people e.g. disabled.

While most councils are expected to find 16/17 year olds and most care leavers in priority need, they may find older young people in priority need if:
> They are leaving a young offenders institute
> They are at risk of violence or abuse
> They are at risk of alcohol/drug abuse or prostitution
> They have learning difficulties

It’s important to give the council enough information about yourself, especially if any of the above situations apply to you. This will help the council decide whether you are in priority need. If you have any problems getting the council to accept that you are in priority need, get advice.

Click on:
www.housemate.org.uk
www.shelternet.org.uk
www.homelesspages.org.uk

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