Unhappy with our decision? Ask for a review or appeal.
We will investigate your claim when you tell us you are homeless. There are six possible outcomes to our investigation:
You are not eligible for housing assistance, but you are homeless and have a priority need. We will offer you temporary accommodation for a limited period only. You will not be considered for social housing at this time, but you may be considered at a future date. This decision can only be applied if you are a UK resident.
You are eligible, but not homeless. You can still apply for Housing Executive and housing association accommodation under the Housing Selection Scheme.
You are eligible and homeless, but not in priority need. We will give you information to help you find your own accommodation. You may also apply for Housing Executive and housing association accommodation under the Housing Selection Scheme.
You are eligible and homeless, and you might be in priority need. We may offer you temporary accommodation while we complete our enquiries.
You are eligible, homeless and in priority need, but intentionally homeless. You may be placed, if you wish, in temporary accommodation for a reasonable period to allow you to find your own accommodation. You may also apply for Housing Executive and housing association accommodation under the Housing Selection Scheme.
You are eligible, homeless, in priority need, and homeless through no fault of your own. You will be provided with a permanent home. If a permanent home is not immediately available temporary accommodation can be provided.
Review procedure
You have the right to request a review if you disagree with a decision taken by us in relation to:
your eligibility for homelessness assistance
our duty to you as someone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness
the suitability of accommodation offered to you
To request a review you should give your reasons in writing to the Area Manager at the address given on your homelessness decision letter. Your district office can give you this address or forward your letter for you if necessary.
You should request a review within 28 days of receiving our decision. We will only extend this time limit if you can show good reason for any delay.
You may be given a chance to make further written or oral representation in connection with the review.
We will inform you of the outcome of the review within 56 days.
More information is available in our leaflet Homeless? Request a review of a decision (PDF 103 kB)
In you are dissatisfied with the review decision, you may appeal to the county court on a point of law within 28 days.
If the court is satisfied there is good reason why you could not appeal within this time, it may allow you to appeal after the end of the 28-day period.
Important information
If you deliberately make false statements or knowingly withhold information that you know to be relevant in support of your application, you are committing an offence under the Housing (NI) Order 1988.
If convicted, you are liable to a fine of up to £1,000.
