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You can only apply as homeless if you are living in Northern Ireland. Don't wait until you are homeless before making your application. If you will become homeless within the next 28 days you should apply as homeless. You can usually make your application at your local Housing Executive District Office.
Who can apply?
You must be living in Northern Ireland to apply as homeless to the Housing Executive. If you live outside of Northern Ireland you can apply for permanent accommodation in Northern Ireland by using the Selection Scheme .
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When can I apply?
The Housing Executive only has to accept applications from people who are homeless, living in unsuitable conditions or likely to become homeless within the next 28 days. The Homelessness checklist can help you if you are unsure whether you are homeless or not. The Housing Executive has four legal tests for homelessness .
Even if the Housing Executive decides that you are not homeless, the Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
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How can I apply?
You must complete the  Housing and Transfer Application Form if you want to apply as homeless. The form is also available from your local Housing Executive office.
You can get an adviser to help you complete your homelessness application form.
In most cases you should take the completed application form to your local Housing Executive District Office in person and request an interview. It is also possible to post your application. The Housing Executive has an out of office hours service you can call in an emergency.
If you have supplied a telephone number on your application form the Housing Executive may conduct your assessment for social housing and tell you the outcome of your application by telephone. However, you should receive a follow up interview, in person at your accommodation or the Housing Executive District Office, if you fall into any of these categories
- you are homeless or are threatened with homelessness;
- 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 have dependent children and are currently living in shared accommodation, or
- your case has exceptional circumstances
Keep copies of all relevant documents. Advice agencies will usually ask for documents when you are looking for advice.
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Where should I make my application?
If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless within the next 28 days you should contact your local Housing Executive District Office. Usually this District Office will interview you, make enquiries about your housing circumstances and then notify you of it's decision.
If you live in Belfast and are unsure about where to apply you should contact the Homelessness Support Unit in Belfast.
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The Housing Executive won't accept my application
If you state that you are homeless on your Housing Application Form the Housing Executive must investigate your situation. If the Housing Executive refuses to investigate your claim get advice as soon as possible.
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What happens next?
The Housing Executive must send you a decision letter on your homeless application within 30 days. If you have not heard from the Housing Executive within 30 days, contact the District Office and request an explanation.
If you are unsure about completing your homelessness application get advice . Homelessness advice is available from Housing Rights Service.
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