You don't have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be legally classed as homeless if you are sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying in a hostel, suffering from overcrowding, or other bad conditions. Information about homelessness - how it can be avoided, who is entitled to help from the council and where to get help. (Content applies to England only.)

You don’t have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be sleeping on a friend’s sofa, staying in a hostel, or living in overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation. Explains what homelessness is and how it can be avoided, how you can get help and what to do if you’re sleeping rough. (Content applies to Wales only)

Information about who qualifies for help from the council, how to apply and what to do if the council won't help you. (Content applies to England only.)

Explains when and how you may be able to challenge the council's decision about your homelessness situation. (Content applies to England only.)

Information about when the council must help you with emergency housing if you're homeless and don't have anywhere to stay.(Content applies to England only.)

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. You can search for the right service or accommodation near you. (Content applies to England only.)

Regisering with a GP can be difficult when you are homeless. Includes information on ‘My Rights to Healthcare Cards’ to help get people registered with a GP practice.

If you are homeless, without enough money to buy basic food or shelter, you are destitute. If you arrived in the UK to live, work, study, visit or join family but now find that you are homeless without enough money to buy basic food or shelter then you are a destitute migrant. Information about the options open to you if you are in this position.

Use this tool to find our if you might be able to claim benefits and social housing, get help from social services, or if you need to seek immigration advice.