If you are homeless or worried you may become homeless, we will speak with you as soon as possible to understand your situation and what support you need.

This page explains what a homelessness assessment is, what happens at the interview, what to bring, and what decisions we will make.

A homelessness assessment is a private conversation with a trained officer. It helps us understand:

• whether you are homeless or at risk within 2 months
• what led to your situation
• whether you need temporary accommodation
• what support you may need (for example, benefits, health, safety, or practical help)

The assessment allows us to decide what duties we owe you under homelessness law.

Your interview normally lasts around an hour, depending on your circumstances.

We will make the process as safe, private, and supportive as possible. During your interview we can:

• offer you a private room
• provide an interpreter, signlanguage support or other reasonable adjustments
• offer an interview with a caseworker of the same sex, if you prefer
• discuss whether you need temporary accommodation
• talk about any support needs and refer you to appropriate services

We understand assessments can feel stressful. Our staff are trained to provide confidential, professional and understanding support.

Please bring as much information as you can. This helps us make a decision quickly.

You should bring:

• ID for everyone in your household (passport, birth certificate or driving licence)
• your National Insurance number
• proof of income and benefit award letters
• your current phone number and email address
• your address history for the last 5 years
• proof of childcare or access arrangements (if applicable)

If you are unable to bring all documents, please still attend. We can continue your assessment and gather information later.

After your assessment, we will consider whether you:

• are homeless or at risk within 2 months
• have a local connection to Falkirk (or another area)
• are intentionally homeless, meaning your actions caused the loss of your home, for example:
  • not paying rent or mortgage
  • choosing to leave your home when you had other options
  • acting in a way that you knew would make you homeless

If you have a strong connection to another local authority, we may refer your case there. If you do not have a connection anywhere, we will still provide support and guidance based on your legal rights.

We aim to complete your assessment and issue a decision within 28 days, as long as we have the information we need.

You will receive your decision by letter or email.

You have a legal right to ask for a review if you:

• disagree with the assessment decision
• believe your temporary accommodation is unsuitable
• have been offered permanent accommodation that does not meet your needs

Learn Find out how to request a review: Homelessness appeals