If you are leaving supported living, a hostel or a friend's sofa and have nowhere settled to go, your council's housing team is the first place to ask for help. This guide pairs a short video with the key points to remember.
Key points
- You can ask for help if you are homeless now, or likely to be homeless within the next 8 weeks, for example because you have been given a notice.
- You do not have to be on the street. Staying temporarily with friends or in a hostel can count as being homeless.
- Contact the housing options or homelessness team as early as you can. Most councils take requests by phone, online form or email.
- If the council decides it cannot help, it must give you a letter explaining why. Keep it, because it is what you use to challenge the decision.
A tip
Write down who you spoke to, the date and what they said. Keep copies of every email and letter.
About the video
The video at the top of this page is by HerefordshireCABx on YouTube. We picked it because its title is "Homelessness: How your local council should help you". We did not make it, and rules and amounts change, so use the official links at the bottom of this page to check the details for your situation.
Questions people ask
Do I have to be sleeping rough to get help?
No. You can ask for help if you have nowhere settled to live now or will not have within 8 weeks, even if you are staying with friends or in temporary accommodation.
Sources and official help
- Shelter England: how to ask the council for help
- Shelter England: council homeless help
- Citizens Advice
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.