Who can apply for homelessness assistance in England?

Under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness in England can apply to their local authority for accommodation. The council has statutory duties to assess your situation, assist you, and accommodate you if specific criteria are met. The process begins with a triage interview where the council should accept your application and provide written confirmation.

How long does the homelessness application process take?

The initial decision on your main housing duty must be made within 56 days of your application. However, the total process, including any reviews and appeals, can take up to 6 months. You should request a review within 21 days of the initial decision letter if you wish to challenge it.

All Legal Journeys

Housing Law

England only

6 stages

Initial decision within 56 days; reviews and appeals up to 6 months

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Homelessness application journey

Apply to the local authority for accommodation under Part VII Housing Act 1996.

This page applies in England only — different rules may apply in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

Who Uses This Journey

Individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness in England. Council has statutory duties to assess, assist, and (if certain criteria met) accommodate.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Approach the council

Triage interview — the council should accept your application and provide written confirmation.

Deadline: Day 1

Prevention duty (56 days)

If you're at risk within 56 days, the council has a duty to help prevent homelessness.

Relief duty (56 days)

If you're already homeless, the council has a duty to help secure accommodation for 56 days.

s.184 decision

Council issues a written decision on whether you're owed the main housing duty (priority need, intentional homelessness, local connection).

s.202 review

If you disagree with the decision, request a review within 21 days. Senior officer reviews.

Deadline: 21 days from s.184 letter

s.204 appeal to County Court

On a point of law only, within 21 days of the review decision.

Deadline: 21 days from review

Official Sources

Housing Act 1996 Part VII Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for homelessness assistance in England?: Under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness in England can apply to their local authority for accommodation. The council has statutory duties to assess your situation, assist you, and accommodate you if specific criteria are met. The process begins with a triage interview where the council should accept your application and provide written confirmation.
What are the prevention and relief duties?: If you are at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days, the council has a duty to help prevent homelessness. If you are already homeless, the council has a duty to help secure accommodation for 56 days. These duties are part of the initial assessment phase following your application to the local authority.
How long does the homelessness application process take?: The initial decision on your main housing duty must be made within 56 days of your application. However, the total process, including any reviews and appeals, can take up to 6 months. You should request a review within 21 days of the initial decision letter if you wish to challenge it.