Priority need in homelessness applications
How local authorities establish if a person has a priority need for accommodation when making a homeless application.
Last updated: 14 February 2023
Who has a priority need
People who have a priority need for accommodation when making a homeless application to a local authority.
Priority need of 16 and 17 year olds
A young person aged 16 or 17 automatically has a priority need for accommodation when applying as homeless.
Priority need of pregnant women and families with children
Priority need of homeless households with dependent children.
Priority need due to domestic abuse
A person has a priority need if they are homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse.
Priority need of vulnerable people
How local authorities assess if someone has a priority need for accommodation because they or someone they live with are vulnerable.
Priority need of older and disabled people
A person has a priority need if they are vulnerable due to old age or because they are disabled.
Priority need of people who have been in care
When a person who was in care as a child has a priority need for accommodation when making a homeless application.
Priority need if homeless due to violence
A person has a priority need if they are vulnerable as a result of having had to leave their accommodation because of violence, other than domestic violence.
Priority need of homeless veterans
A person has a priority need if they are vulnerable as a result of being in the armed forces.
Priority need of people who have been in prison
A person has a priority need if they are vulnerable as a result of having spent time in custody.
Advising on vulnerability and priority need
A guide for frontline advisers supporting someone making a homeless application.