4. Can I get help with housing from the council?
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for a council house in Scotland, but waiting lists can be long and it may take a while before you get a place.
However, if you are homeless or likely to become homeless soon, you can make a homeless application to the council. This is not the same as putting your name down on the housing list. You don't have to be sleeping on the street to make a homeless application. If you don't have a safe and permanent home, you will still be classed as homeless. For example, you may be sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying with relatives or living in a hostel or bed and breakfast. Or you may still be living at home, but need to move out because of violence or abuse.
Once you have made your application, the council will look into your situation to see what help it has to offer you. This can take a while, so if you have nowhere to stay, the council should offer you some temporary accommodation.
Unfortunately, the council can't offer a new home to everyone who appears to be homeless. There are several 'tests' you will need to pass before you will be eligible for a permanent home. Even if you don't pass the tests and the council can't offer you a permanent home, you should be given help and advice to find a place yourself. Use our free online assessment to find out what you are likely to be entitled to.
