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The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland. If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you may be able to get support to help you live independently through the Supporting People programme.
The Housing Executive manages the Supporting People programme in Northern Ireland.
Who can get help?
Supporting People funding is available to help anyone in Northern Ireland who needs support to live in their accommodation. Supporting People funding is available to help:
- older people,
- people with learning difficulties,
- people with physical disabilities,
- people fleeing domestic violence,
- young people leaving care,
- people having difficulty keeping to the terms of their tenancy.
Contact the Housing Executive to find out more about Supporting People schemes in your area.
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Where can I get help?
Supporting People funding is not linked to any accommodation. It is linked to you and your personal circumstances. This means that you will not lose the support service if you change your address or your landlord.
You can find out about Supporting People services in your area by contacting your local Housing Executive District Office. In general, you will be able to access Supporting People services as part of:
- a long term sheltered housing scheme,
- on a short term basis as part of a resettlement project,
- a floating support project to allow you to stay in your own home.
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What can I get help with?
Supporting People funds services that will help you live an independent life in either:
- specialist accommodation,
- your current accommodation.
Examples of support available include:
- a warden for a housing scheme,
- counselling services,
- help to complete benefit forms,
- help to manage your money.
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How much will it cost?
If you are in temporary accommodation, like a homeless hostel you will get the support services for free. If you are not in temporary accommodation, the Housing Executive will pay for the support services if you are currently receiving any housing benefit.
If you are not currently receiving housing benefit you should submit an application. If you are entitled to any housing benefit, the Housing Executive will pay your support costs.
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Will it affect my housing benefit?
Housing benefit used to pay for rent or rates or both, as well as support services. However, the Housing Executive will now pay the cost of your support services directly to the person who provides the service.
This may mean that your housing benefit statements may show that you are receiving less money. However, Supporting People will ensure that you are not worse off because you are receiving support services.
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Can I complain if I am unhappy about the service that I'm getting from my provider?
Each service provider must have a complaints policy. If you are unhappy about the service you are getting ask your service provider how you can make a complaint.
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Homelessness Checklist
