Boost your tally.
This information is for people in Northern Ireland who are applying for social housing.
The higher your point total, the higher you will be on the waiting list for a home from the Housing Executive or a housing association. This is commonly referred to as a "social tenancy." 'Based on your situation and needs, your housing officer determines how many points you have. This is commonly referred to as the housing selection scheme.
It can be difficult to demonstrate why you should receive certain points at times. Our advisors can help you understand which points you can earn and why. Our advisors may also be able to assist you in gaining more points. If you want to talk to one of our advisers about something, be prepared to discuss all aspects of your situation and needs. The more our advisors know, the better they can assist you.
Before you contact our consultants:
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Look through the points list and see where your points match the items on the list; you can also call the Housing Executive (03448 920 900) to get a breakdown of your points.
- Gather your information and documents - for example, if you have a letter from the Housing Executive, make a copy.
If you don't have enough points to buy a house, you can:
- Request that your housing officer review your points and ensure that everything is up to date.
- Check to see if you can earn points for social issues.
- Contact housing associations that have properties available for groups of people with special needs.
Being on the waiting list can be difficult. You might be curious about your position on the waiting list or how soon you will be able to move in. You can check with your housing officer to see how many points you need for homes in your area.
You earn points for various needs and situations.
There are four major reasons you can earn points:
- People might refer to this as "insecurity of tenure."
- the state of your home - for example, your home is in poor condition
- your health and well-being - for example, if you have mobility issues, such as difficulty climbing stairs
- social requirements - for example, you may need to relocate to be closer to family for support.
You can read about the four categories of points in greater depth below. You can earn points for doing things like :
If you pass the Housing Executive's homelessness assessment (also known as an "investigation"), you will receive 70 points. These are sometimes referred to as 'Full Duty Applicant' or 'FDA' points.
- Even if you fail the investigation, you can still receive 50 points if:
- You don't have housing for a variety of reasons, and
- The Housing Executive cannot expect you to find your own housing.
Being unable to stay at home
You can earn points if you:
- you don't have a place to live, or
- You are unable to remain in your home because it is unsafe, or you have been asked to leave by someone.
A potential threat or attack
You can earn 200 points if you:
- your house was destroyed in a fire, or
- An attack could kill or injure you.
These points are only available if you:
- The threat is confirmed by the police or a similar agency, and
- The threat is directed at you for a specific reason or because you are a member of a specific group.
Living in transitional housing
You can earn 20 points if you:
- You've already accumulated 70 FDA points, and
- You were given temporary housing by the Housing Executive, and
- you've been in temporary housing for at least six months
You can earn points if you live in a house with people who will not be moving with you. For example, suppose you are living with a family member while looking for a place to live.
If you share a home and have dependent children, you can earn more points.
These points are not available if you invited someone to live with you.
Overcrowding
You can earn points if your household does not have enough bedrooms for everyone. You can earn 10 points for each bedroom you don't have. The room must be a certain size to qualify as a bedroom.
These points are determined by the number of:
- individuals on your housing application, and
- You have rooms in your house for those people.
For instance, Jack is a single man who lives in a one-bedroom apartment with his parents and two siblings. Jack receives ten points because he only requires one bedroom for himself.
Additional bedrooms
If you applied for a transfer, you could earn 10 points for each additional bedroom you have. The maximum number of points is 30.
Erin, for example, has three children, but they are all adults who live in their own homes. She has two extra bedrooms because her children no longer live with her. Erin can earn 20 points for the extra rooms.
Housing shortage
If the council agrees that your home has certain issues, you can earn points. You receive 10 points for each problem identified by the council.
Being placed on the waiting list
You will receive two points if you:
- already have other points to make, and
- have spent at least two years on the waiting list
You get two more points for each additional year you are on the list, up to a maximum of ten points. As an example:
- Three years on the list equates to four points.
- Seven points are awarded for five years on the list.
- Eight years on the list equals ten points.
You can earn points if you or someone in your household has mobility issues or requires care. For example, requiring a walking aid or having difficulty moving around in your home.
To obtain these points, you may need to demonstrate:
- You receive disability benefits because of mobility issues.
- Your mobility issues have been confirmed by an occupational therapist.
- With the trust, you receive physical therapy.
Do you require assistance in your home?
You can earn points if you do the following:
- reside in sheltered or supported housing
- require assistance in caring for yourself or your home
Complex requirements
You can earn 20 points if you or someone in your household requires extensive medical care and your:
- If a housing officer determines that you require assistance,
- The trust validates your need for assistance.
You can earn up to 40 points for urgent needs such as leaving a traumatized home.
You can get up to 40 points for less urgent needs like problems with a neighbor or being unable to afford to live in your home.
More guidance
- Increase your point total.
- Assessment of Homelessness
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