Homelessness: who can get help?

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 not everyone qualifies for help to prevent homelessness but everyone is entitled to information and advice.

Some people will not be entitled to help to prevent homelessness, for example if:

  • you have not lived in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for the last 5 years, and you are not considered to be a settled resident here
  • you are a European national in breach of a 'Residency Directive'
  • you have claimed asylum since arriving in this country from abroad and your application is still being considered by the Home Office
  • you are an illegal immigrant
  • you have overstayed your leave to live in the U.K.
  • you have limited leave to remain in this country (for example students and visitors), and are not allowed to claim help with money or accommodation from Public Funds
  • you are found not to be eligible you will be issued with a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You will be given advice and assistance about the help that may be available to you from other agencies or other ways to find suitable accommodation

If you are not eligible for assistance to prevent homelessness, information and advice will still be available to you from a number of agencies.

If you are found to be eligible for assistance, the next stage will be to understand your situation and provide the right support. If you are worried about paying your rent or your mortgage for example, we can:

  • offer you free, independent advice and assistance with any debt and mortgage or rent arrears
  • refer you to Citizen’s Advice Denbighshire to make sure that you are receiving all the welfare benefits you are entitled to and provide advice and assistance with Housing Benefit Claims or appeals (if you are renting)
  • refer you to Shelter Cymru who may be able to support you at court proceedings for debt and housing issues

Whatever the problem, ask for advice immediately. Do not delay.

How to get help

To get help and advice, and to talk through your options, you can:

Help yourself with our homeless prevention guide.

Out of hours

If you become homeless outside working hours, and you have nowhere safe to sleep you can call our out of hours service on 0300 123 30 68.