Your Social Housing Application
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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.
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 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
Decision on your application
The local authority will let you know if your application has been approved, refused, or if they need additional information to complete their assessment.
Approved
If approved, you will be included on the social housing waiting for your local authority area. Typically, social housing tenancies are offered to people waiting the longest on the list.
Depending on your circumstances, the local authority may also decide to prioritise you for supports. They will communicate this with you, if applicable.
Once your application has been approved, it is important for you to apply for support services, if you need it. For more information visit Support and Services – Home and Supports Hub. Do not wait to be offered a home before applying for a support package, as this will cause delays.
Refused
If your application is refused, this means that you have not demonstrated that you are eligible, and that you are in need of social housing supports, based on the information you provided. The local authority will let you know the reasons for your application being refused.
If you think that there is more information you can show the local authority, you can re-submit your application.
Even if you are not eligible for social housing, you may still be eligible for other supports. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for Rent Supplement. Rent Supplement is a social welfare payment provided by the government to help individuals and families with the cost of accommodation. It is designed to make rent payments more affordable. For more information see Accessible Information On Rent Supplement In Ireland – Home and Supports Hub.
If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can appeal to your local authority.
9
HAP (Housing Assistance Payment)
If you need to access an immediate form of social housing support, once you are on the social housing waiting list, you can also apply for the Housing Assistance Payment or HAP. There are no waiting lists to get onto HAP, but you will need to find a place to rent from a private landlord.
When you start receiving HAP support, you can be placed on the transfer list, if you want to be considered for other forms of social housing support, such as a tenancy with a local authority or Approved Housing Body.
To find our more information on HAP, visit Social Housing Supports (HAP & RAS) – Home and Supports Hub.
10
Offers of Accommodation
If you are eligible and a suitable property becomes available, you will receive an offer of accommodation from your local authority. 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.
Choice Based Letting
If you 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 to their website. You then can express interest in properties that suit your need on a weekly basis when properties are available.
If you require a support package in order to accept your offer or require adaptations to a home, you can coordinate this with your Local Authority and the HSE or alternative care provider. Remember, do not wait to be offered a house before applying for a support package.
If you’re not already in a disability service provider, you can contact your GP or Primary Care Team. They can help link you in with disability services. For information about GPs and Primary Care Teams see Health Supports – Home and Supports Hub.
11
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.
12
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.