Housing
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
HAP helps people who qualify for social housing to rent from a private landlord. The council pays the landlord, and you pay a weekly amount based on your income.
- First, apply to your local council for social housing support.
- Once you are approved, find a property where the landlord agrees to HAP.
- You and the landlord fill in the HAP application form together and send it to the council.
- You pay your weekly contribution (rent) to the council, not the landlord.
Having problems with a landlord, a notice to leave, or nowhere to stay tonight? Contact Threshold or your council’s homeless service straight away, and let us know.
Official information
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change — check the official website or ask us. Last updated 17 October 2026.
What to have ready
- PPS number
- Proof of income (payslips or social welfare statement)
- IRP card or immigration permission
- Proof of address
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