Your Social Housing Application
>
How do I apply for social housing?
To receive Social Housing Support, you need to apply to your local authority. You can download an application from their website or contact your local authority’s housing department and ask for an application form.
If you need help filling out your application, you can contact your local authority or someone that you trust can help you.
The average waiting time for each local authority is different, depending on the demand in that area.
Whether you qualify will be decided by your Local Authority, this includes assessing your income and current accommodation.
It is important to know you can only apply to one local authority at a time. The following steps are the application process, including when and how an offer of social housing is made.
1
Contact your Local Authority
There are 31 local authorities in Ireland, each local authority is responsible for social housing. You should contact the local authority where you plan to live. You can find a full list of local authorities here
2
Complete the Application Form
Ask your local authority for an application form or you can get it from their website. Fill in the form carefully, giving all the information they ask for.
If you need help filling in your application, you can contact your local authority, or find your nearest Citizens Information Centre. Or, if you are already linked in with a disability service, they may be able to help you.
3
Gather Necessary Documents
Gather all the documents you need. This includes proof of money you and your family members make in a year, where you live, your photo ID, and any other documents your local authority asks for.
4
Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application form with the required documents to your local authority. Be sure to keep copies of everything you submit.
HMD-Form 1
If you have a disability or medical condition, which impacts your housing needs or requirements, your application should also include a HMD Form 1. Each local authority will have a copy of the form available on their website.
The HMD Form 1 is for anyone applying for social housing due to a disability or on medical grounds. You will need two Healthcare Professionals to also complete the form.
If the local authority needs additional information or documents to complete their assessment, they will contact you.
5
Managing your Application
Social housing waiting list times will vary greatly depending on the availability of housing in your area, your specific housing need, and whether you access HAP. It is important to join the list as early as possible, to plan for your future, because it can take a number of years before you are offered a social housing tenancy.
Remember to keep your HMD Form 1 up-to-date with your application, so that any offer made to you is suitable for your needs.
You will be asked by your local authority every year to update the details on your housing application. It is important that you respond to this request, because if you don’t the local authority may close your application and remove you from the list. If you move address or change your contact details, please let your local authority know as soon as possible.
6
Attend an Assessment Interview
Depending on your local authority, you might need to attend an assessment interview. This interview helps the local authority assess your housing needs and verify the information on your application.
7
Wait for a Decision
Your application will be checked, and a decision will be made about your eligibility and need for social housing support. This process should take no more than 12 weeks. It can be extended if your local authority needs more information from you. Your application will be given due consideration based on the information you have provided.
8
Choice Based Letting
If are approved for social housing you will receive a reference number for your application. Some local authorities use Choice Based Letting. If your local authority uses this, you will receive a pin to login for a website. You then can express interest in properties that suit your need on a weekly basis when properties are available.
9
Receive an Offer
If you are eligible and a suitable property becomes available, you will receive an offer of accommodation. You can choose to accept or decline the offer, but you may risk losing your place on the waiting list if you decline multiple offers, you should talk to a Housing Officer if you are unsure on the property.
10
Acceptance and Moving In
If you accept the offer, a Housing officer will go through the necessary paperwork and inspections. Once everything is in order, you can move into your new social housing property.
11
Ongoing Support
After moving in, you may get continued support from your local authority, including information on tenant rights and responsibilities, maintenance procedures, and help with any issues that may arise during your tenancy.
If you are allocated an AHB property, a person from the AHB will meet with you to explain what ongoing support they will provide.
Remember that the application process and eligibility criteria may be different in each local authority, so it’s essential to check with your own local authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Also, be patient, as social housing waiting lists can be quite long, and it may take some time before you receive an offer of accommodation.