How to Apply (Supported Living)

Overview

Apex Housing offers all of its permanent accommodation through the Common Selection Scheme which was devised by the Department of Social Development (DSD).

The Common Selection Scheme represents a single gateway into social housing in N. Ireland, let on a permanent basis, whether owned and managed by the Housing Executive or any of the housing associations operating in N. Ireland. It provides a ‘one stop shop’ for applicants and promotes equitable treatment by using common criteria to assess the housing needs of all applicants.

Application

Applicants

Applying from within Northern Ireland?

If you are applying for housing and you are currently living in N.Ireland, you can download the Housing/Transfer Application form. You can use this form if you want to apply for sheltered housing or specialist accommodation where extra support is available. You can also get a form from any Housing Executive office or Housing Association office.

• Download the Housing/Transfer Application Form (see NIHE website, ‘apply for a home’ section for the download)
• Or contact the Housing Executive on 03448 920 900 to apply by phone

If you think you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless you should contact the Housing Executive as soon as possible on 03448 920 900. Homelessness is dealt with through the Housing Executive Area Offices or in the case of Belfast through the Housing Executives dedicated Homelessness Services Unit.

What if I live outside Northern Ireland?

Your eligibility for housing in Northern Ireland and your housing needs will be assessed in the same way as any other applicant. However as the Housing Executive cannot carry out a visit, you will need to complete the Housing Transfer application and Self Assessment form.

• Download the Housing/Transfer Application and Self Assessment Form

What To Do Next

You should return the form to the Housing Executive office responsible for the area where you live, or return it to your nearest housing association office who will send it to the correct office.

Assessment

How Your Application Is Assessed

When you apply for housing you will be assessed and if you are eligible, you may be awarded point according to your housing need. Your position on the waiting list is based on the points you get. You can get points under four categories. These are: -

• Intimidation – points may be awarded if you are at serious and imminent risk, and require immediate rehousing.

• Insecurity of Tenure – if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The level of points depends on the duty owed under legislation.

• Housing Conditions – points for poor housing circumstances both in terms of physical conditions and the degree of sharing/overcrowding being experienced.

• Health/Social Well Being Assessment – points for a range of health and social well-being circumstances. These include issues in relation to mobility in your existing home as well as any social, support and care needs you may have.

Points awarded under any of these categories will decide your total points level and your position on the waiting list. You will be informed of your points total in writing.

Notification

You will be informed in writing that your application has been received and has been registered. An appointment will then be made to assess your application. This letter will also confirm your housing reference number which should be used when querying your place on the waiting list for your area of choice with any Housing Executive or Housing Association office

Following your assessment you will be informed in writing if your application for housing is successful or unsuccessful. If your application has been turned down you will be informed of the reason behind this. If your application is successful you will be informed of your points and there will be written confirmation of your areas of choice.

Complex Needs

Some applicants may have special circumstances which mean they require intensive care and support.

This need may be met in specialist housing scheme, where additional support or care services are provided or in general housing where a tailored support and care package has been arranged.

Where a specialist scheme is considered appropriate, applicants will be placed on a seperate, non-point waiting list.

Where support and care can be provided within general housing, applicants may be awarded additinal points under the Health and Social Well-Being category.

Allocations

As a general rule, each dwelling will be offered to the applicant with the highest points.

Where points are equal, the date on which the application is received will decide the order in which applicants are offered accommodation.

Within your areas of choice there may be specific blocks of flats that have been designated under Rules of the Selection Scheme by a Participatiin Landlord not to be allocated to a person under the age of 35 years of age, (the age criteria also applies to members of the household) unless there are exceptional personal circumstances prevailing. Further information can be obtained by contacting your local district office or housing association in relation to flats which have met the appropriate criteria and have been designated accordingly.

Supported Living Accommodation - Prior to any allocation for any of the Supported Living Schemes, The Officer in Charge or Manager will carry out an assessment to assess the suitability of the scheme to meet the applicant’s needs. If the chosen scheme cannot meet the applicants needs, advice on alternative accommodation will be given to the applicant.

Nursing Accommodation - Referrals to nursing schemes are carried out by Social Services.

Hostel Accommodation - Applications to hostels can be through self referral or referral from other agencies.

Application
Assessment
Notification