On this page you will find information about:
- Eligibility for social housing.
- How having a local connection might affect your social housing eligibility.
- Applying for social housing.
What is Social Housing?
Social housing (also known as council housing or housing association housing) refers to homes that are owned by the council or housing associations.
Priority is given to those who are deemed to be most in need. As an ex-Serviceperson, you may be recognised as having an “additional preference” meaning that your council might prioritise your application because of your service.
This doesn’t mean that you will move to the top of the list, but it might mean that your case is prioritised more than if you didn’t fit these criteria.
Social housing eligibility
Usually, you must meet the following general criteria:
- be 18 years old and over (some councils allow you to register from the age of 16)
- not be responsible for any serious anti-social behaviour, and
- not owe money to any other council or housing association.
Each local authority determines the eligibility criteria for social housing in their area.
Search your postcode on GOV.UK to find out how your local area manages social housing.
Local connection
Some authorities require that applicants for social housing have a connection to the local area they are applying for. However, councils cannot turn down certain Armed Forces applicants for not having a local connection.
Councils cannot turn down:
- Members of the Armed Forces and former Service personnel in the regular Armed Forces.
- Bereaved spouses and civil partners of members of the Armed Forces leaving Service Family Accommodation following the death of their spouse or partner.
- Serving or former members of the Reserve Forces who need to move because of a serious injury, medical condition or disability sustained as a result of their service.
Before 18 December 2024, local connection exemption did not apply to veterans who had left regular service more than five years ago.
Applying for social housing in England and Wales
To apply for social housing, you will usually have to sign up to your local authority's waiting list (also known as a housing register). You can do this by contacting your local authority and asking for an application form.
Our expert advisors can guide you from your benefit decision all the way through to taking further action if needed.
Find your Local Authority GOV.UK.
Applying for social housing in Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is the housing authority that oversees the county's social housing.
Visit the Housing Executive Website for more information on applying for a home.
Applying for social housing in Scotland
To apply for social housing in Scotland, contact your local council's housing team and ask to be added to the housing register.
