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Your application begins when the Housing Executive interviews you. You should get a homelessness decision within 30 days of the interview. Your decision should include reasons why the Housing Executive has reached their decision. The assistance you get and the length of time you will have to wait for permanent accommodation depends on your personal circumstances.
The Housing Executive has a duty to provide advice on homelessness and its prevention to anyone in Northern Ireland who asks for it.
How long will I have to wait after the interview?
The Housing Executive must send you a decision letter on your homeless application within 30 days. The letter must explain the reasons for the Housing Executive's decision on your homeless application.
While you are waiting for the decision, send in any information you may not have had available. This might include:
- a letter from your GP explaining your medical condition,
- a police report,
- financial information.
If you need temporary accommodation , or your furniture stored while the Housing Executive are investigating, you should ask.
If you have not received a letter from the Housing Executive within 30 days of your interview, contact the District Office for an explanation. Get advice if you are not satisfied with the explanation or you need help with your application.
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The Housing Executive has decided I am a Full Duty Applicant
If the Housing Executive letter states that you are a Full Duty Applicant you are entitled to permanent accommodation. If no suitable permanent accommodation is available you are entitled to temporary accommodation until suitable permanent accommodation becomes available.
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How long will I have to wait?
The length of time you will have to wait for permanent accommodation depends on:
- your points total,
- the areas where you want to be housed.
Some areas have very high demand and you will have to wait longer for permanent accommodation. From time to time, the Housing Executive lists available properties on its website.
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Will I always get housed in my chosen areas?
There is no guarantee that you will get housed in your chosen area. After six months on the waiting list you may get offers from outside your areas of choice. You do not have to accept the offers.
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The Housing Executive has decided it has no duty to help me
If the Housing Executive decides that you are not homeless on or after 1 December 2010 you have a statutory right to have this decision reviewed. If the review is unsuccesful you may also be able to have your case heard on appeal by a County Court.
The new system for challenging homelessness decisions is quite complex. It is important that you seek advice from a specialist agency, such as Housing Rights Service, before proceeding with this option. There are strict legal time limits in place so, if you want to challenge the decision, you should get advice immediately.
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Homelessness Checklist
