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Are you eligible for assistance?
Most people are eligible for assistance. However, some people from abroad are not eligible. You are probably not eligible for assistance if:
If you are unsure of your immigration status, you may need to get help from an immigration adviser.
Are you homeless or about to become homeless?
If you are homeless or about to become homeless, we will carry out a homeless assessment to see if the council has a legal duty to provide you with somewhere to live or if we have other duties to help you.
Applying as homeless
To apply as homeless you must first of all call the Housing Options Team for your area.
When approaching us you need to be very clear about the housing circumstances in which you find yourself.
You will be advised what will happen during the housing assessment and typically you will be asked to bring along the following:
If your homelessness application is confirmed that you meet the criteria then you and your family will be owed the ‘full’ housing duty. This means the council will find you suitable accommodation. You will be provided with accommodation until the the duty ends usually the duty comes to an end when you are made a final offer of long-term accommodation. Before this happens, you might receive one or more offers of temporary accommodation.
The final offer could be an offer of council or housing association housing from the housing register, or an assured shorthold tenancy with a fixed-term of at least one year from a private landlord.
A final offer will be made in writing. It will tell you that if you turn down the accommodation the council’s duty to continue to house you might end. It will also advise you that you can ask for a review of the suitability of the offer.
How do I get owed the full duty?
For the council to owe you the full housing duty, we must be satisfied that you meet all five key points below in that you:
Are you in priority need?
You are in priority need if you:
Are you intentionally homeless?
Generally speaking most people will apply for help from the local council in the area they live if they become homeless. However, you can apply to any council you wish. It is unlawful for a council to turn you away or tell you to apply to another council because you do not have a local connection with their area.
If the council decides you are homeless, eligible for assistance, in priority need and not intentionally homeless, it can then check to see if you have a local connection in the area.
You have a local connection with an area if you (or someone in your household):
Are you legally homeless?
The legal definition of ‘homelessness’ covers more than being out on the streets. You will be considered homeless if:
You can also apply to the council if you are likely to become homeless within 28 days. This includes circumstances where:
Domestic Violence and Abuse
If you are scared, feeling threatened or you are being controlled by your partner, ex-partner for family member, then you may be experiencing domestic abuse. It can include emotional, physical, financial, stalking, sexual abuse and most recently coercive and controlling behaviour. You are not alone. Domestic violence or abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men at some time in their life. Anyone can experience domestic abuse, any gender, age, race, religious group, class, ethnicity, disability. It is important to remember that you are not to blame for domestic violence.
There is a 24 hour free phone helpline in Nottinghamshire for women experiencing domestic violence. To talk to someone about what you are going through or to get advice or support in leaving contact:
0808 800 0340 (24 hours)
0808 800 0341 textphone only (9-5)
Planning to leave: Try to:
Other domestic violence support numbers you can call for help:
Across Nottinghamshire there are specialist domestic violence organisations: these might offer drop in sessions, offer emergency housing and phone support and advice.
County:
Broxtowe Women’s Project |
01773 718555 |
Midland’s Women’s Aid |
0115 9257647 |
Newark Women’s Aid |
01636 679687 |
(NIDAS) North Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service |
01623 683250 |
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid |
01909 533610 |
Nottingham:
Amber House Refuge |
0115 9414279 |
Roshni (Nottingham Asian Women’s Aid) |
0115 9242864 |
Umuada Refuge |
0115 9753254 |
Shine (housing related support) |
0115 8220833 |
Refs for Pets (if you need your pets housing if you leave) |
07971 337264 |
Equation (for men) |
0115 9623237 |
Other useful numbers/resources
Lets talk wellbeing (9-5pm) |
01909 512351 |
Topaz Centre (sexual abuse and violence) |
0845 6001588 |
Galop (same sex abuse) |
0800 999 5428 |
Nottingham Rape Crisis |
0115 9410440 |
Victim Support Nottinghamshire (support on domestic violence for men and women) |
0845 4503899 |
Forced Marriage Helpline |
0800 5999247 |
Forward (Female Genital Mutilation) |
020 89604000 |
Childline |
0800 1111 |
National Domestic Violence 24 hr helpline |
0808 2000247 |
Things to Remember:-
If you are or someone you know is in danger or at serious risk, contact 999 immediately.
To access refuge, plan leaving, make a safety plan or just talk contact:
0808 800 0340 24 hours a day (language line available in 100 languages)
0808 800 0341 (Text Phone 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m.)
This helpline is run by the Women’s Aid & Refuge
Helpline number for Agencies and referrals - 0115 9476490 (professionals who may be supporting a woman or child and needs advice