If you present as homeless to the Housing Executive, it will first look into your circumstances and investigate your claim before it decides what help to give you.

The Housing Executive has a duty to provide advice on homelessness and its prevention to anyone in Northern Ireland who asks for it.

If you meet the four homelessness tests you will be given a Full Duty Applicant status. Full Duty Applicants are entitled to offers of permanent accommodation from either the Housing Executive or a housing association.

The Housing Executive must send you a decision letter within 30 days. If the decision is negative, the letter must include reasons why the Housing Executive has decided you are not eligible for assistance as a homeless person.

If you fail one or more of the homelessness tests, the Housing Executive will not have a duty to house you. You can challenge this decision or ask to be additionally assessed under the general housing selection scheme.

What help can I get if I’m homeless?

If you pass all four homelessness tests, or hurdles, you will be awarded Full Duty Applicant status. Full Duty Applicants are entitled to offers of permanent accommodation from either the Housing Executive or a housing association. More

What help can I get if I’m not homeless?

If you don’t pass all four homelessness tests, or hurdles, you will not be awarded Full Duty Applicant status. You may still, however, be able to get permanently housed if you ask to be assessed under the Housing Executive’s Selection Scheme. More

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