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Homelessness information guide

Homelessness doesn’t only mean rough sleeping – you’re considered homeless if you don’t have a place to stay, or if it’s no longer reasonable or safe for you to stay there anymore. Our guide can help you know your rights and where to turn.

This guide explains what help you might get if you’re entitled to help from the council and homeless or at risk of homelessness and can point you in the right direction if something goes wrong. It covers:

  • the criteria you must meet for the council to meet with you
  • opening a case with the council
  • preparing for the interview if you meet with the council
  • information about the council’s duty to you.

It also lists useful organisations that you can contact for information and advocacy services.

Download your guide (PDF, 722 KB)

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Want to order print versions of our information guides?

If you’re a professional or organisation, please email orders@ageuk.co.uk. In your email please include how many you'd like of each guide and a full postal address of where you'd like them sent. Delivery normally takes around 10 days.

If you'd like to place an order for yourself, you can call our advice line on 0800 678 1602 or email us at orders@ageuk.co.uk – please include your full postal address and allow 10 days for delivery.

Need this guide in another format?

This guide is also available in other formats if that's more suitable for you.

  • You can request a free printed copy of this guide that we'll post to you. 
  • You can also request this guide in large print or audio format.

To request any of these options, you can call the advice line on 0800 678 1602.

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Last updated: Dec 06 2023

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