If homelessness cannot be prevented
If we are unable to prevent your homelessness within the initial 56-day period (or sooner), and you do become homeless, we will continue to support you under a 'relief duty' for a further 56 days to help you find alternative accommodation.
As part of this process, we will assess whether you fall into a priority need category, which is important as it determines whether we are required to provide temporary or interim accommodation during this period.
Priority needs categories include:
- families with dependent children
- pregnant individuals or households
- young people leaving care
- individuals experiencing homelessness due to domestic abuse
We also consider people who are vulnerable because of:
- physical disability or mental health conditions
- older age
- previous service in the armed forces
- recent release from prison, custody, or a young offender's institution
- emergencies such as a fire or flood
We will provide temporary accommodation if:
- we confirm that you fall into a priority need group
- you have no available accommodation
- we determine that you are homeless.
Throughout this relief period, you will also be encouraged to actively seek accommodation and follow the advice and guidance provided to you.
If, by the end of this period, you have not secured accommodation, we will reassess your situation to determine whether we have a longer-term legal duty to provide housing support.
Referral to another borough
If you do not have a local connection with Hillingdon, and you are assessed as homeless and in priority need, we may refer your case to the local authority where you do have a connection for further assistance.