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If the Housing Executive decides that you are not legally homeless you may be able to challenge the decision. Temporary accommodation may be available while you are challenging the decision. Dependign on your circumstances you may also be able to get help from social services if the Housing Executive is unable to help you.
Can I appeal the Housing Executive's decision?
The Housing Executive must send you a letter with a decision on your homeless application. The letter must include a reason or reasons why the Housing Executive has decided you are not a Full Duty Applicant and not eligible for assistance as a homeless person.
If the Housing Executive decides that you are not a Full Duty Applicant you have a right to challenge the decision. There are very strict time limits in place, so if you are planning to appeal the Housing Executive's decision you should get advice immediately.
You may get temporary accommodation from the Housing Executive while they are reviewing your case.
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Who can social services help?
If the Housing Executive is unable to help, social services may be able to help you. You can get help from social services if you:
- are aged under 18,
- have a dependent child,
- have a physical or mental illness or disability,
- are an older person.
The law doesn't specify what social services have to do as it depends on your personal circumstances.
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What are my options in an emergency?
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
If it is possible for you to stay with friends or relatives this is probably the best and safest option. It will give you more time to look for longer term accommodation. Alternative emergency options are:
You should avoid sleeping on the street. Sleeping on the street is dangerous. You should only sleep on the street if there is no other option available.
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Will I have to pay for emergency accommodation?
You will have to pay rent for staying in a hostel or a bed and breakfast. You may be able to get housing benefit to help you cover some of your rent. Always submit a claim for housing benefit if you are staying in temporary accommodation.
In an emergency you may be able to apply to the Social Security Agency for a crisis loan. Whether you get a loan or not depends on your personal circumstances and the amount of money the Social Security Agency has in its budget. You have to repay the crisis loan.
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How can I get long term accommodation?
You may be able to get permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association even if the Housing Executive has decided that you are not homeless. However, you will not get the 70 points awarded to Full Duty Applicants.
This means you will have a lower points total, and you will usually have to wait longer for permanent accommodation. From time to time, the Housing Executive advertises available properties on its website. You may be able to get permanent accommodation if you select to live in one of these properties.
Renting from a private landlord
Accommodation available from private landlords varies widely in price, quality and availability. In some areas of Northern Ireland it is relatively easy and cheap to rent privately. In other areas it can be difficult to find rented accommodation and it may be expensive. Housing benefit might not always cover the total cost of your rent.
If you are homeless and the Housing Executive decides that you are not a Full Duty Applicant you should get advice immediately. An adviser may be able to help you successfully appeal the Housing Executive's decision.
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Homelessness Checklist
