Homeless now?

If you are homeless now and have nowhere safe to go tonight, we may be able to help.

How we can help

Please call us on 01234 718058:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am-5pm
• Wednesday: 10am-5pm

In an emergency outside of these hours, please call 01234 267422.

Our Customer Services team will make an appointment for you with a Housing Advice and Assessment Officer. At this assessment, the officer will interview you to check what support you are entitled to. This officer will also decide whether the council has a duty to provide you with temporary accommodation.

The assessment will take place at our Bedford Borough Hub, 2 Horne Lane, Bedford, MK40 1RA.

Your Housing Assessment

At your appointment, we will complete a full assessment of your circumstances. We will ask about your household, address history, housing needs, support needs, and the reasons for your homelessness. This helps us understand how best to support you.

Personal Housing Plan (PHP)

Following your assessment, we will work with you to agree a Personal Housing Plan (PHP).

Your PHP will outline:

• the actions the Council will take to prevent or relieve your homelessness
• the steps you will need to complete

You will receive a copy of your PHP, and your housing officer will review it with you regularly to agree next steps.

Information you should bring

Please bring as much relevant information as possible to help us provide accurate advice and support.

Identification for all household members

• Applicant/joint applicant: passport or driving licence.
• People from abroad subject to immigration control: proof of right to reside (Home Office documents, visas, etc) and recourse to public funds.
• Children: full birth certificates and proof of Child Benefit.
• Other adults: passport or driving licence, or birth certificate.

Income and financial information

• Last three months of bank statements for all accounts
• Benefit award letters (eg Universal Credit, Income Support, JSA, DLA, PIP, Child Benefit)
• Last three monthly or six weekly payslips
• Bank statements showing wages and benefits for all adults.

Other supporting documents

• Current tenancy or licence agreement.
• Notice to quit / eviction notice, plus deposit protection certificate, EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, and How to Rent booklet.
• Passport‑size or digital photographs of adult applicants.
• National Insurance number.
• Proof of pregnancy (EDD or MATB1).
• Medical information where your housing affects your health.