Applications for housing support can be submitted to a local authority for assessment at any time. Similarly, a person previously deemed not to qualify for support may reapply at any time. A local authority may also review an assessment, at its discretion, if it becomes aware of a change in the applicant’s household circumstances.
Any assessment, or review of a previous assessment, is based on the applicant's net average income for the 12 months prior to application or the review. An applicant whose household income is below the relevant income threshold may qualify for support. The underpinning legislation affords local authorities no discretion to exceed the thresholds for their areas.
The income eligibility requirements reflect the long-term nature of social housing support. Reviewing income over 12 months provides a truer picture of long-term need. It is an objectively fairer approach than assessing such need against more recent changes in circumstances. It also helps ensure limited resources can be provided to those who need them most.
While an applicant, previously deemed not to qualify for support, may reapply at any stage, dramatically changed circumstances in the short-term does not guarantee they will qualify when reassessed. Such changes may be too recent to bring their income below the income threshold.
That said, an applicant may be able to show long-term need if the dramatically changed circumstances persist, and qualify for support should their net average income for the previous 12 months fall below the relevant income eligibility threshold.
Rent Supplement may be available for persons in the private rented sector who have experienced recent changes in household circumstances and require shorter-term rent support.
