"Securing Your Dream Council Home: Tips and Tricks"

If you are in need of housing, you can apply for a council home through your local council, which is also referred to as "social housing". Once you submit your application, your name will be added to a waiting list along with others who are also in need of a council home and your council will prioritize the applications based on the level of urgency. The council's allocations scheme will provide more details to assure you of who gets priority for homes in the area.

It's important to note that even if your application is accepted, there is no guarantee that you'll be given a home. However, your local council or housing association may offer you a home when the time comes. If you are unable to apply through the council, they can direct you to housing associations in your area that accept direct applications.

If the council expects a prolonged waiting period, they may suggest that you apply for council homes in other localities as well, and you can be on multiple waiting lists simultaneously to improve your chances of obtaining a home.

Eligibility for Council Homes

Each local council has different eligibility requirements for persons who may apply and who have priority for homes, known as an 'allocation scheme.' Find out how the allocation scheme works in your area by visiting your council's GOV.UK website through the link provided. You're usually required to:

• - Have a low income or little savings
• - Have lived in the area for some years, have a job, or family ties to the locality

- Local connections are not a prerequisite for all councils. If you're planning to relocate to another area, check the council's website to ascertain if you can apply for council homes.

- You may also qualify to apply if you were previously a resident in the area.

There may be additional regulations based on your nationality. For example, if you are an EU, EEA, or Switzerland national, you may be subject to specific rules.

Specific Requirements for Afghan Nationals

Due to the fall of the government of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, individuals evacuating from Afghanistan do not need to pass the habitual residence test. Therefore, you may apply for council homes immediately. Proof that you were evacuated from Afghanistan may be required by some councils.

Specific Requirements for Ukrainian Nationals

If you were living in Ukraine before January 1, 2022, and emigrate to the UK due to the Russian invasion, you may also apply for council homes without passing the habitual residence test.

You may only qualify for housing help if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• - You have British or Irish citizenship and evidence of being habitually resident
• - You were granted indefinite leave to remain or settled status by the EU Settlement Scheme
• - You have pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme and another "right to reside"
• - You have limited leave to remain, and you have "recourse to public funds" which refers to entitlement to housing assistance and benefits
• - You may also be eligible if you have applied for pre-settled or settled status by June 30, 2021, and are awaiting a verdict.

If you currently have the right to reside in the UK, either now or on December 31st, 2020, then you're in the clear. However, if you missed the June 30th, 2021 deadline, you may still be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as long as you can provide a valid reason for the delay. For information on making a late application, please visit this link.

To determine your eligibility for housing assistance, the requirements are as follows:

• - You possess a valid visa permitting extended stay in the UK.
• - Your visa does not indicate "no public funds".
• If you are a family member of someone from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you may be eligible for housing assistance if any of the following apply:
• - They have settled or pre-settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme and an additional right to reside.
• - They have applied for settled or pre-settled status by June 30th, 2021 and are awaiting a decision or the outcome of an appeal.

- Their right to reside depends on factors such as employment, family, and personal circumstances. You can check their status at this link.

If you are a family member of someone who was born in Northern Ireland and is a British or Irish citizen, or both, you may be eligible for housing assistance. First, you must obtain pre-settled status or settled status. To find out if you're eligible to apply, please visit this link on GOV.UK.

If you possess settled status, you can apply for housing assistance. If you hold pre-settled status, you must speak to an adviser to determine if you're eligible.

In addition, you may be eligible for housing assistance if:

• - You have been granted refugee status and have leave to remain in the UK.

- You have indefinite leave to remain and are habitually resident. This condition can't be subject to any restrictions such as "no recourse to public funds".

Before seeking housing assistance, please speak to an adviser.

If you arrived in the UK through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), Afghanistan Locally Employed Staff Ex-Gratia Scheme (ALES), or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), you may be eligible for housing assistance. Additionally, you may be eligible if:

• - You arrived in the UK due to the fall of the Afghanistan government on August 15th, 2021.

- You have been granted "leave to remain" and your immigration papers do not indicate "no public funds". If you have a sponsor or are unsure of your immigration status, please speak to an adviser.

Your local council may request proof of your immigration status. You can provide one of the following as proof:

• To seek housing assistance in the UK, you will need to provide proof of your arrival through one of the designated programs such as a passport stamp, visa, or a letter from the Home Office outlining the date and purpose of your entry.

• Determining Priority Status

Your local council's allocation system prioritizes those in greater need, so you are more likely to receive a council home if you are legally homeless, disabled, in danger, or living in overcrowded or substandard housing. To find out if you qualify for priority status in your area, contact your council or consult the relevant resources on the Citizens Advice website.

However, obtaining priority status does not guarantee a swift housing placement, as waitlists can be lengthy and availability limited. Accordingly, you may need to consider alternative housing options such as self-searching or applying for help with private renting costs if you are experiencing financial difficulties.

If you wish to challenge the priority decision made by your council, you can reference their allocation scheme and file a request for review.

Applying for Council Housing

To apply for a council home, you will likely need to submit an online application through your local council's website. Bear in mind that completing the extensive application and subsequent waiting period can be time-consuming, and does not necessarily result in immediate housing.

If you are seeking housing through a housing association, the application process may differ, so research their specific requirements beforehand.

Supplying Relevant Information

To be eligible for placement on the waiting list, you will need to provide detailed information in your application, such as your income (including job and benefit sources), health history, work history, assets, and reasons for recent relocations. In addition, if you are not a UK citizen, you will need to include relevant immigration documents, like a passport.

Be prepared to supply additional evidence to support your application, such as medical records for health conditions. If you require assistance filling out your application or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your council or enlist the help of a trusted family member or caregiver.

Receiving a Decision

Upon acceptance of your application, your local council will classify you into a priority group based on your circumstances.

In case of an emergency, a high priority will be given to you. However, even with a high priority, the waiting period for a home may be lengthy. For details on waiting times in your locality, reach out to your council.

Your council determines your priority level using the terms outlined in their allocation scheme. If you believe your priority level is unjust, you may request a review, but first, review your council's allocation scheme.

In Case of Refusal

If your application is rejected, you can request a review of the decision from your council or seek private rental accommodation or assistance with rent payments.

Changes in Circumstances

Notify your council as soon as your situation changes. This could impact your position on the waiting list, moving you up or down. Remember that making changes without notifying the council can result in accusations of dishonesty, which may lead to eviction.

Inform your council if you:

• • Are pregnant or have a new child
  • Experience a new medical condition or a change in medical needs
  • Experience a change in income or benefits
  • Experience harassment at your current place of residence
  • Move houses or acquire new contact details

• Find Out If You Need to Bid

Inquire with your council on whether they require you to bid for homes or if they'll make a selection for you. If they make a selection for you, they'll typically inform you by phone, followed by a letter.

Bidding for a Home

Your council may have an online portal for searching and selecting a home. If you find a suitable home, you can inform your council of your interest by placing a bid on the home via the portal. Be sure to bid before the deadline.

However, bidding on a home doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. Your council will consider your priority level and waiting time after the deadline for that home to choose the suitable candidate for the home.

Your council may set limits on how many times you can bid and on how many homes you can bid on.

It's important to note that if you refuse a council home that's offered to you, it may be deemed unsuitable for your needs. Check with your council before refusing. Learn more about refusing an unsuitable home.

If You’re Offered a Council Home

Your council will inform you of the acceptance and rejection period for an offered home. The time limit is typically short, after which the council may offer the home to someone else.

If you accept the offer, your council will schedule a contract signing appointment. You may be offered a long-term tenancy or a fixed-term contract of a year or more.

Your council will inform you of the move-in date and the due date of the first rent payment.