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Everyone who applies for permanent accommodation from the Housing Executive or a housing association is assessed using the selection scheme. The Housing Executive assesses your application and awards you points based on your personal circumstances. The more points you get the higher up the list you are placed. In September 2010 the Housing Executive introduced a new procedure for dealing with applications. All applicants who include a telephone number on their application form will now receive an initial telephone interview.
The assessment process can have three or four stages depending on the outcome of your initial telephone assessment
Stage 1: Housing Executive confirms it has received the application
The Housing Executive sends you a letter within seven days. The letter confirms that the Housing Executive has received your application and lets you know whether you will be assessed by telephone or in person. Contact your local Housing Executive District Office if you have not received a letter within seven days. Ask the Housing Executive to send you a letter acknowledging your application.
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Stage 2: Housing Executive conducts a telephone interview to assess your application
The Housing Executive will contact you by phone to carry out an interview within 21 days of receiving your application. The telephone interview will last for about 15 minutes. During this interview the Housing Executive will ask you questions to find out if you are eligible for the Housing Selection Scheme. You will also be asked why you have applied for social housing and what kind of accommodation you are currently living in.
If you have not supplied a telephone number on your application form or you are applying for a transfer, the Housing Executive should arrange to interview you in person.
Make sure you give the interviewer all the information needed to assess your application. Complete the  NI - Housing Needs Checklist before the Housing Executive contacts you. This may help you remember important details when the Housing Executive is assessing you. Make sure you have the names and addresses of anyone who can support your application. The Housing Executive awards points in one or more of these categories:
At this stage the interviewer should arrange for a follow up interview, either at your accommodation or at the Housing Executive District Office if you fall into any of these categories:
- You are not a UK resident
- You are under 18 or over 69
- You have health problems
- Your current accommodation is not suitable due to disrepair or overcrowding
- You are homeless or are threatened with homelessness
- You have dependent children and are currently living in shared accommodation
- Your case has exceptional circumstances
If you do not fall into any of these categories the interviewer should tell you the result of your application, how many points you have and confirm your areas of choice. You will receive a letter after your assessment containing these details along with your Personal Housing Plan. This plan will contain information on the various housing options available to you and a summary of the discussion you had with the Housing Officer who carried out your assessment
The Housing Executive will make 2 attempts to carry out your telephone assessment. These attempts must be carried out on 2 different days. If the Housing Executive fails to contact you, it must send you a letter requesting you to contact them within 7 days. If you do not respond to this letter within 7 days your application will be cancelled.
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Stage 3: Housing Executive carries out a follow up interview
In certain cases the Housing Executive will not be able to complete your assessment by telephone. If this happens, the interviewer will arrange a follow up interview with you. This interview may happen at your accommodation or at the Housing Executive District Office.
Make sure you give the Housing Executive all the information it needs to assess your application. The Housing Executive awards points in one or more of these categories:
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Stage 4: Housing Executive informs you of your points total and supplies you with a Personal Housing Plan
The Housing Executive may need to get extra information, for example, information from social services. However, you should get a letter within 14 days telling you your points total. If you don't receive a letter within 14 days, contact the Housing Executive District Office dealing with your application. You should also receive a Personal Housing Plan. This plan will contain information on the various housing options available to you and a summary of the discussion you had with the Housing Officer who carried out your assessment.
Your name goes on the waiting list for permanent accommodation. It is not possible to say how long you will have to wait for an offer. Your wait depends on:
- your points total,
- your position on the list,
- when the accommodation you need becomes available in your areas of choice.
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Keep the Housing Executive informed of any changes
You must tell the Housing Executive if your circumstances change and it is relevant to your application. It is best if you write a letter to the Housing Executive. Keep a photocopy of the letter.
If you think you have not been awarded enough points check the list of common problems before complaining.
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The Housing Executive says I'm not eligible
You may not be allowed to apply for permanent accommodation if:
- you have been found guilty of unacceptable behaviour in the last two years,
- you are a foreign national,
- you have been squatting.
Get advice if the Housing Executive have said you are not eligible for permanent accommodation. Advice is available from Housing Rights Service.
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