Medical need to move
If your current home does not meet your medical needs, or you need adaptations, you can ask us to reassess your housing application.
We will carry out a medical assessment to understand how your home affects your health. Homelessness, poor housing conditions, relationship problems, neighbour disputes and general social needs are not considered a medical priority on their own.
Before you apply
We will not assess your application on medical grounds if:
- you have not submitted a housing application
- you have not provided all the documents we asked for
How the medical assessment works
Once you have submitted a housing application, you must provide information explaining why your home is not suitable.
We will then send you a self-assessment form. This helps us understand:
- how your home affects your health
- what type of housing you need
You must return the form with any supporting letters from professionals.
We aim to make a decision within 20 weeks from the date you are added to the waiting list for a housing medical assessment.
Medical conditions that may be given priority
We may award medical priority if your condition is directly affected by your current home. This can include:
- being unable to leave your home because of stairs or steps
- severe mobility problems that prevent you from using essential facilities
- needing an extra bedroom for a full-time registered carer
- needing an extra bedroom for a child who cannot share due to a recognised medical condition, for example autism
- diagnosed mental health conditions that are significantly affected by your home and supported by a relevant professional
When we do not give medical priority
Only apply for medical priority if your condition is caused or made worse by your current home.
We will not assess medical priority if your situation is due to:
- temporary difficulties during pregnancy that are likely to improve after birth
- difficulty using stairs with a pram or buggy
- injuries or illnesses that are likely to improve with treatment, for example a broken limb or recovery after surgery
- overcrowding, which we already consider in your housing assessment
- minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, flu or earache
- anti-social behaviour or noise complaints
- receiving disability-related benefits
Receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) does not give extra priority. You must still provide evidence so we can assess your application correctly.
Condition of your home and other support
Because council housing is in short supply, we will also look at ways to help you stay in your current home.
If you find it difficult to manage daily tasks or access facilities, adaptations or equipment may help. You can contact Adult Social Care on 01793 463333 and select option 2 to discuss this.
If you are a council tenant, you can request an adaptation to your council home.
If your home has issues such as damp, condensation, pests or infestations, your landlord should deal with these.
If you rent privately and your landlord will not fix the problem, you can get help and advice for private tenants.
Evidence you need to provide
To assess your application on medical grounds, you must provide relevant and up-to-date evidence. This can include:
- a professional diagnosis letter
- a supporting letter from a professional, for example a GP, social worker, school, family support worker or mental health professional
- occupational therapist reports
- a patient summary from the last 12 months
- your full Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letter, including points breakdown
- a copy of your most recent prescription
Evidence we cannot accept
We cannot use the following as medical evidence:
- education, health and care plans
- referral or appointment letters
- Blue Badges