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You will usually have to pay rent for your emergency accommodation. The rent depends on the type of accommodation. You should always apply for housing benefit through your local Housing Executive District Office.
Hostels
You will have to pay to stay in a hostel. The rent varies between hostels but can be quite high. You will also have to pay for your laundry and meals. You should claim housing benefit. Depending on your income you may or may not be eligible and it may not cover your rent but it won't cover any extra services such as laundry or meals.
If you are receiving jobseeker's allowance or income support, the cost of your hostel will be paid. However, you will have to pay for any extra services such as laundry or meals.
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Nightshelters
Nightshelters are only a short term option and some are only open during the winter.
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Refuges
You will have to pay to stay in a refuge. However, housing benefit will cover the rent if you have no income or are on income support. You can apply for income support when you arrive at a refuge. Staff at the refuge can help you apply for benefits.
If you are working you may have to pay to stay in the refuge, but the rent will reflect your ability to pay. You should still apply for housing benefit, through your local Housing Executive District Office.
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Bed and Breakfasts
Staying at a bed and breakfast is usually more expensive than staying in a hostel. You will usually have to pay some money up front before you can stay. Some bed and breakfasts won't accept you if you are claiming housing benefit. Even if your bed and breakfast does accept people claiming housing benefit you should remember that housing benefit may not cover all your rent.
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Friends or family
You may have to pay some money to your friends or family for letting you stay. Staying with friends or family is usually only a short term option. Back to top
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