You don't have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying in a hostel, or suffering from overcrowding or other bad conditions. You are legally considered homeless and are entitled to get help to find somewhere to live if:
- you have somewhere to live, but you can't stay there because you are worried about your personal safety
- you have somewhere to live, but you can't stay because your home is in very poor condition and a threat to health
- you have nowhere that you can live together with your family.
If you are leaving the Armed Forces, or if you are involved in a relationship breakdown, you will be faced with the prospect of having to leave your Service accommodation. In this case you need to find out about your options, especially if you are not in a position to find somewhere else to live and face being homeless.
You should try to put your name down on your local council’s housing needs register (waiting list) as soon as possible. Although you do not have a legal right to accommodation, this is the only way you have a chance of a permanent council tenancy. You should also register with housing associations in your area.
There are homeless organisations and charities including some in-Service and ex-Services organisations and charities who can also assist you. The links on this page contain lots of information, advice and useful contacts.