The course explains eligibility, the application and assessment process, and the types of support available, including funding for adjustments, specialist equipment, and mental health support. It also covers employer responsibilities and cost-share agreements.
Through a combination of practical examples, case studies and interactive exercises, participants will learn how homelessness applications work in practice, how local authority duties operate, and how to identify and challenge common issues such as gatekeeping, incorrect priority need assessments and flawed decision-making.
The course includes real-life case studies, quizzes and practical exercises to help participants apply the law in realistic scenarios.
By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the legal framework, the rights of applicants and the practical steps needed to achieve better outcomes for people at risk of homelessness.
This course is CPD Accredited. All learners will receive their CPD certificate with 7 points on completion of the course
From Confusion to Clarity: Master the Homelessness Application Process
What will you learn?
- Understand the legal framework for homelessness applications
- Make and support a lawful homelessness application
- Identify and challenge gatekeeping
- Apply the law on priority need and Personal Housing Plans (PHPs)
- Recognise and respond to intentional homelessness
- Understand local area connection rules
- Apply the law on temporary accommodation and suitability
- Challenge decisions through reviews and appeals
Course contents highlights:
- The legal definition of homelessness and when a homelessness application arises
- Eligibility and preparing for a homelessness application
- The statutory duties owed by local authorities, including: Prevention Duty, Relief Duty, Main Housing Duty
- Personal Housing Plans and the role of reasonable steps
- Priority need categories and the vulnerability test
- Intentional homelessness and mitigating circumstances
- Local area connection rules and domestic abuse protections
- Temporary accommodation duties and suitability considerations
- Challenging unlawful gatekeeping and incorrect decisions
- Understanding and challenging Section 184 decisions
This course is ideal for:
- Frontline advisers
- Housing professionals
- Prison and probation staff
- Support workers
- Social prescribers
- Local authority staff
- Charities and community organisations
- It is particularly valuable for anyone supporting vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities, mental health conditions, experience of domestic abuse, or people leaving prison.
After this course, you will:
- Identify when a homelessness application should be made
- Understand the statutory duties owed by local authorities
- Recognise unlawful gatekeeping practices
- Assess priority need and vulnerability
- Understand intentional homelessness decisions and mitigating factors
- Identify when temporary accommodation should be provided
- Challenge incorrect homelessness decisions effectively
