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Housing Support Information for Newcastle Residents

Published on: 07 Aug 2024

Housing Support Information for Newcastle Residents

Social Prescribing Link Workers support patients with various non-clinical needs, including housing support. While Link Workers are not housing workers and do not have the authority to allocate housing, they can provide valuable information on available services and options. Their input will not change your priority status for social housing with the local authority, nor will it make it easier to secure housing.

Understanding Your Housing Options

Council Housing & Housing Associations

  • Description: Affordable social housing provided by Newcastle City Council and other non-profit organizations.
  • Eligibility: Based on housing needs, waiting lists, and priority criteria. Some organisations may have specific community or support needs.
  • How to Apply: Contact Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) at 0191 278 8600 or visit www.yhn.org.uk.
    Direct applications to housing associations like Karbon Homes (www.karbonhomes.co.uk) or Thirteen Group (www.thirteengroup.co.uk).
    Your Homes Newcastle & Newcastle City Library can offer support to people when making their applications.

Private Renting

  • Description: Renting property from private landlords.
  • Financial Assistance: Housing benefits or Universal Credit may cover rental costs.
  • How to Find: Property websites, local newspapers, or estate agents.

Temporary Accommodation

Addressing Common Housing Issues

Homelessness

Rent Arrears

  • Financial Advice: Speak with a debt advisor at Newcastle City Council or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
  • Support Options: Arrange repayment plans with landlords, apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).

Poor Housing Conditions

Getting Financial Support

Housing Benefits

Universal Credit

  • Inclusion: Housing costs can be included if eligible.
  • Application: Online via the government website.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

  • Purpose: For additional financial support when housing benefits don’t cover rent.
  • Application: Through Newcastle City Council.

Charitable Grants for Housing Costs and Household Items

Turn2us

  • Description: A charity helping people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants, and support services.
  • Contact: Visit www.turn2us.org.uk and use the Grant Search tool to find relevant grants.

The Vicar’s Relief Fund (VRF)

  • Description: Provides small grants to people in crisis, including for rent arrears and essential items.
  • Application: Referrals can be made on your behalf through their online portal by professionals only. Visit www.smitfc.org/our-grants/vrf for more information.

Legal Responsibilities of the Council if you are at risk of/are Homeless.

Definition of Homelessness:

  • Statutory Definition: A person is legally homeless if they have no accommodation available to them which they have a legal right to occupy, or if it is unreasonable for them to continue to occupy their current accommodation.

Council’s Duties:

  • Prevention Duty: The council must take steps to prevent homelessness if you are at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days.
  • Relief Duty: The council must help you find accommodation if you are already homeless.
  • Priority Need: The council must provide temporary accommodation if you are in priority need (e.g., families with children, pregnant women, vulnerable individuals).

Exemptions from Assistance:

  • Intentionally Homeless: The council is not required to provide long-term accommodation if you are deemed intentionally homeless. This means you have deliberately done something or failed to do something that led to losing your accommodation.
  • Eligibility Restrictions: Certain people, including those subject to immigration control and some EEA nationals, may have restricted eligibility for housing assistance.

Making a Homelessness Application:

  • Contact: Newcastle City Council Housing Advice Centre.
  • Assessment: The council will assess your situation, provide advice, and develop a personalized housing plan.

Useful Organisations

Shelter

  • Description: National charity providing housing advice and support.
  • Contact: 0808 800 4444 or visit www.shelter.org.uk.

Citizens Advice Newcastle

Newcastle City Council Housing Advice Centre

Private Rented Service

  • Description: Offers free info and advice to people who are renting or would like to rent privately in the Newcastle area.
  • Contact: Visit their website privaterentedservice.co.uk

Contact Information for Immediate Help