Council Homeless Help Eligibility in Wales: Your Rights Explained

If you’re worried about losing your home or have been evicted in Wales, it can be daunting to know where to turn. Knowing whether the council can help—and what support you’re entitled to—can make a big difference. In Wales, there are clear rules on council homeless support, designed to help renters like you during difficult times. This guide breaks down your rights, eligibility, and what steps to take if you need council assistance.

Who Is Eligible for Homeless Assistance from Welsh Councils?

If you’re experiencing homelessness—or are at risk of it—your local authority has a legal duty to assess your situation and provide help under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014¹. You may be eligible for help if any of the following apply:

• You have nowhere to live in the UK or abroad
• You’re at risk of homelessness within 56 days (e.g., you’ve received an eviction notice)
• Your home is unsafe or unsuitable (for example, due to severe disrepair)
• You cannot reasonably stay where you are (for example, due to violence or harassment)

Everyone has the right to make a homeless application in Wales, regardless of their circumstances. The council must investigate and shouldn’t turn you away without an assessment.

Key Eligibility Criteria Councils Consider

The council will look at several factors for homelessness support, including:

• Homelessness or risk of homelessness: Are you already homeless or about to lose your home within 56 days?
• Eligibility for public funds: Most British citizens and settled migrants are eligible, but immigration status can affect this. Check eligibility details here.
• Local connection: Usually, support is in the area where you live, work, or have family ties. Councils may refer you elsewhere if there’s no local connection.
• Priority need: You may get emergency accommodation if vulnerable (e.g., families with children, pregnant, elderly, victims of domestic abuse, severe health issues).
• Intentionality: The council may check if you’re homeless through no fault of your own. But you should not be refused help merely because of why you lost your home.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you contact your local council, they must carry out a homelessness assessment and develop a personal housing plan tailored to your needs. If you’re homeless or at risk, they’ll provide advice and may offer temporary accommodation.

How to Make a Homelessness Application in Wales

You can apply directly to your local council’s housing department. There’s no official form number, but most councils allow you to apply online, by phone, or in person. Here’s an example process:

• Speak to your council’s Housing Options or Homelessness team as soon as possible. Find your local council here.
• Give as much detail as possible about your situation—such as your tenancy agreement, eviction notice, or proof of housing issues.
• The council will confirm your identity and assess your case. You should receive a written decision outlining what help is available.

Key Forms and Documents

• Section 21 Notice (Form 6A): In England, this is a ‘no fault’ eviction notice, but in Wales, landlords must give a written notice in line with Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016². Attach your eviction or notice letter to your homelessness application.
• Personal Housing Plan: After your application, the council will create a plan detailing actions for both you and the council. This is not a public form but an official council record you should receive a copy of as part of your case.

If you don't agree with the council’s decision about your homelessness case, you can request a review. Appeals are handled by the local authority first, and further disputes may go before the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for certain tenancy issues or the courts for judicial review³.

Summary: What Support Might You Get?

• Advice on finding new housing or preventing homelessness
• Assistance with private renting or help paying a deposit
• Temporary accommodation if you’re in priority need
• Longer-term support to secure settled housing

Remember: The council’s goal is to prevent you becoming homeless wherever possible. They will work with you to find solutions based on your circumstances.

1. What if my council says I’m not eligible for help?
   If you disagree with the council’s decision, you can request a formal review within 21 days of their written decision. Explain why you believe their assessment is incorrect and provide any extra evidence. If dissatisfied after the review, you may be able to appeal to the county court.
2. Can I get homeless help if I have no recourse to public funds?
   Some people with limited or no immigration status may not qualify for certain support, but you are entitled to free advice. The council must check your circumstances and should not refuse an assessment.
3. Will the council automatically offer me emergency accommodation?
   Priority need (such as being pregnant, having children, or certain vulnerabilities) is required for emergency accommodation. However, all applicants are entitled to advice and some support, even if not placed immediately.
4. How quickly should I contact the council after receiving an eviction notice?
   You should contact your council as soon as you receive notice or know you might become homeless. The sooner you act, the more options are available and the council may help prevent homelessness altogether.
5. Which tenancy laws apply to renters in Wales?
   Tenancy rights and eviction are mainly governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. Councils must follow this legislation when assessing and providing homelessness support in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Cymru: Homelessness Guidance
• Welsh Government Housing Helpline
• Welsh Government guidance on renting and eviction
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – handles disputes about housing in Wales

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1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – see homelessness duties
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – guidance for renters and landlords
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – official housing disputes service in Wales

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