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Join us at an in person event on 1st July to celebrate 20 years of the NRPF Network.

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  1. 1. Housing assistance and public funds
  2. 2. Eligibility for homelessness assistance
  3. 3. Key housing duties
  4. 4. Ineligible persons
  5. 5. Local Connection
  6. 6. Mixed households in homelessness applications
  7. 7. Social housing allocation
  8. 8. Housing association tenancies
  9. 9. Duty to refer
  10. 10. Right to rent checks
  11. 11. Council tax
  12. 12. Disabled Facilities Grant

Duty to refer

Public authorities must help prevent homelessness by referring a person to a local housing authority where they believe the person is homeless or at risk of homelessness within 56 days.

This duty applies to a range of public bodies, including:

  • social care services
  • prisons and probation services
  • Jobcentre Plus
  • NHS healthcare providers
  • education providers

A full list of public authorities subject to the duty to refer is available in the government guidance.

Public authorities are not required to assess eligibility for housing assistance before making a referral. Where a person is homeless or at risk of homelessness, a referral must be made with the person’s consent.

The local housing authority will then carry out the necessary assessments, including eligibility for assistance. Even where a person is found to be ineligible and no housing duty is owed, the authority must still provide advice and information to help prevent or relieve homelessness. See our webpage on key housing duties.

Page updated: 02 June 2026

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