Getting help from social services if you're homeless

Summary

If you’re homeless and you have children, social services only have to find somewhere for your children to live if they decide they’re ‘in need’. But they should try to house you with your children if possible. * their health or development wouldn’t reach a reasonable level or would be damaged without help from social services If your child becomes homeless they’re usually classed as a child in need. Social services might not have to help your child unless it’s necessary to prevent a breach of human rights. Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if social services won’t help your child. If your child is in need and your family isn’t subject to immigration control, you might be offered private rented housing if you can be housed together. You might be offered bed and breakfast accommodation if there’s nowhere else available. If your family can’t be housed together or you’re refused help by social services contact your nearest Citizens Advice to put you in touch with a family solicitor straightaway. Social services must assess what care and support needs you have if you're homeless. They must check if they can help you with housing as part of meeting your needs. Your needs must have a.

Key information

• their health or development wouldn’t reach a reasonable level or would be damaged without help from social services
• a place in a care home or supported housing
• financial help to to get care and support at home
• help to stay in the community
• having a face to face meeting with a social worker
• If you’re homeless and you have children, social services only have to find somewhere for your children to live if they decide they’re ‘in need’. But they should try to house you with your children if possible.
• their health or development wouldn’t reach a reasonable level or would be damaged without help from social services
• If your child becomes homeless they’re usually classed as a child in need.
• Social services might not have to help your child unless it’s necessary to prevent a breach of human rights. Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if social services won’t help your child.
• If your child is in need and your family isn’t subject to immigration control, you might be offered private rented housing if you can be housed together. You might be offered bed and breakfast accommodation if there’s nowhere else available.
• If your family can’t be housed together or you’re refused help by social services contact your nearest Citizens Advice to put you in touch with a family solicitor straightaway.
• Social services must assess what care and support needs you have if you're homeless. They must check if they can help you with housing as part of meeting your needs. Your needs must have a significant impact on you.

Practical guidance

• Source: Getting help from social services if you're homeless

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