After you've applied for homelessness support
After you've applied for homelessness support and we've spoken to you, we'll:
- ask you to send us documents, which we'll use to look for options to help you
- book an appointment with the homelessness team
- provide advice on immediate help and signpost to useful services
- ensure you have your case number, so if you need to call us back, we can update you or add details to your case.
If your situation is urgent, the appointment may be short notice on the same day by phone. Other appointments are usually in person.
Documents we need
Documents we may need include:
- proof of your existing or potential homelessness. For example, a Section 21 notice, asked to leave letter or crime reference number for domestic violence cases
- proof of identity for you and others involved in your case. You can provide a driving licence, passport or birth certificate for children
- proof of income for you and others involved in your case. For example, benefit reward letter or Universal Credit notice
- tenancy agreement if you have been served a Section 21 or Section 8 notice
- proof of any medical condition for you and others involved in your case. For example, GP summary or a repeat prescription.
We may ask you for other documents related to your case.
It may take time for you to find and send these documents, but the sooner we have them, the quicker we can act.
Tell us if you cannot get hold of some documents, for example because it's unsafe or they have been destroyed. We can find a different way of getting necessary information.
Assessment appointment
Depending on the urgency of your situation we'll either:
- call you back at the agreed appointment time
- ask you to come in person at the date and time booked to Kingsley House, 37 to 39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham.
If you're attending in person, you'll need to bring any documents we have asked for and you have not sent us.
During the appointment
During the assessment appointment you'll speak with a housing options officer. They'll ask you more questions to understand your situation and assess your needs.
You'll need to be able to answer as many questions on your own or with the help of an interpreter. If you think you may not be able to speak for yourself, or if you need an interpreter, we can make arrangements for you.
Our officer will record your answers. This information will become part of your homelessness application.
Our officer will be able to make a decision during the appointment or soon after. This depends on if they need more information or to check your documents. They'll be able to decide:
- if you're legally homeless or at risk of homelessness
- what help you're eligible for
- what you and your family's needs are
- what duties we owe you.
They will decide if you meet the criteria for emergency accommodation. For example, if you have nowhere to stay for the night or you're in danger if you return home.
They will often talk to you about next steps to start resolving your situation. These steps will form your personal housing plan (PHP).