Need housing support? Why contacting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should be your first step
If you’re a veteran who is homeless, at risk of losing your home or struggling to find secure accommodation, it’s important to understand your rights and the support available. In Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is responsible for housing support for veterans in Northern Ireland. They have a legal duty to assess your situation and provide help if you are homeless or at risk.
This guide sets out what you need to know.
Time to read:
Homeless or at risk?
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive must help
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a legal duty to offer housing support if:
- you’re already homeless, or
- you’re likely to become homeless within the next 28 days
They may be able to provide:
- advice and prevention support
- emergency accommodation
- help finding longer-term housing
- support to help you stay in your current home
You don’t have to say you’re a veteran, but your service may be taken into account when assessing your needs and priority.
How to get started
Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and explain your situation as soon as possible.
Visit your local NIHE office.
Call: 03448 920 900
Email: information@nihe.gov.uk
Making a homeless application:
What to expect
When you contact the Housing Executive:
Tell them you want to make a homeless application.
You’ll usually speak to a housing officer, who will ask about your circumstances.
They’ll ask about your housing situation so they can decide what help they need to provide.
If you’re at immediate risk or have nowhere safe to stay, this should be treated as urgent.
You can ask a friend, family member or support worker to be with you during appointments or calls.
What to take with you
(if you can)
If possible, take any:
- proof of identity
- tenancy agreements
- eviction notices
- medical information
But do not delay applying if you don’t have these – you can still be assessed.
If you’re in immediate danger
If you can’t stay where you are because of violence, abuse or threats, you can still access housing support for veterans through your council.
You can also contact:
Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free)
Men’s Advisory Project: 028 9024 1929
If there is immediate danger, contact the emergency services.
What happens after you apply
Following your assessment, the Housing Executive will explain:
- what housing support they can offer you
- whether they can help you remain in your current home
- whether temporary accommodation is available
- what longer‑term housing options may be suitable
While NIHE is assessing your case, continue looking for housing yourself if you can. This gives you more options and protects you if accommodation is not available straight away.
If you were turned down for help in the past, you can apply again if:
- your circumstances have changed, or
- you have new evidence (such as updated medical information)
How priority is decided
The Housing Executive must give preference to people with urgent housing need.
Your service history should be taken into account under the Armed Forces Covenant, particularly if you:
- are a veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness
- have a serious physical or mental health condition linked to service
- are an injured reservist
- are a bereaved spouse or civil partner affected by service‑related death
NIHE guidance recognises that military service can create unique disadvantages, and officers should not demand excessive or unreasonable evidence to prove this.
How the Armed Forces Covenant helps veterans looking for housing support
The Armed Forces Covenant applies across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
Under the Covenant, housing bodies must consider:
- the impact of service on housing need
- whether veterans face disadvantage because of service
- whether special consideration is justified
This applies when the Housing Executive:
- assesses homelessness applications
- allocates social housing
- plans housing services
- works with councils and support organisations
In short, your service should be recognised when housing decisions are made.
You’re not alone:
support is available
Asking for housing support is not a failure. Housing problems affect many people, and veterans are entitled to have their situation properly assessed and supported.
Specialist veteran organisations can also help, including with:
- advocacy and appointments
- emergency housing pathways
- supported accommodation
- mental health or welfare support
MoD Veterans Services
MoD Veterans Services can provide one-to-one housing support based on your situation. This support can be provided by phone, email, video call or in person. They can provide:
- urgent guidance on your options
- help with applications
- advice on your financial situation and benefits
- referrals to specialist services where required
Op FORTITUDE
If you’ve already made a homelessness application to the Housing Executive, Op FORTITUDE can help you navigate further support.
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.