If you’re worried that you might lose your home, it’s really important to get help early. You do not have to wait until you’re already homeless — your local council can help you before things get worse.
When should you ask for help?
You can ask the council for help if:
You have nowhere to stay, or
You think you might lose your home in the next 56 days
This is called being “at risk of homelessness.” The law says councils must help people earlier, not just when they are already homeless.
How to ask for help
You can contact your local council’s housing team:
Email your local housing support team
Fill in a form online (if they have one)
Say: “I want to make a homelessness application.”
It helps if you have:
ID (like a passport) and proof of immigration status
A letter showing you might be evicted
Information about your money or benefits
But don’t worry if you don’t have everything — you can still ask for help.
What will the council do?
The council will:
Ask questions about your situation
Make a plan with you (called a personal housing plan)
Try to help you stay where you are or find somewhere else to live
If your situation is serious, they might give you emergency accommodation while they look into your case.
What is the “56-day rule”?
The 56-day rule is very important.
If you might lose your home within 56 days, the council must try to stop that from happening
They have up to 56 days to help you keep your home or find another place
If they can’t prevent it and you become homeless, they may still have to help you find somewhere else to stay for another period of time.
Will everyone get the same help?
The council will look at things like:
Your immigration status
Whether you have children or need extra support
What caused your housing situation
Even if you don’t qualify for full help, they must still give you free advice.
Where to learn more
For more detailed and reliable advice, visit How to ask the council for homeless help - Shelter England
If you need advice or support with your homelessness application, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 17/06/2026.