Rehousing because of poor health or disability

Introduction

If you have a health problem that is made worse because of where you live, you can apply to be given additional priority in your rehousing band.

How we decide about medical priority

Your health problem does not automatically give you priority. We only consider the problems you have with coping in your current housing because of your health or disability.

Medical priority will only be awarded when:

• You have a chronic or degenerative illness, physical, mental, learning or sensory impairment.
• There is a link between the medical condition and the difficulties of living in the property.
• A move to a different property will significantly improve your quality of life and/or lead to you being more independent with everyday activities.

You may have medical priority if you:

• your health problems mean you can no longer manage in your current home
• need to move to become more independent in daily living
• have a serious health problem that is made worse by your current accommodation
• are disabled and require adaptations
• are over 60 and need sheltered housing with warden support
• need your own bedroom for medical reasons
• are in Bristol to receive long term hospital treatment not available locally
• need an extra bedroom for a carer

If you need a carer or are caring for someone

• Carers may be awarded some priority if you need to live with, or nearer to someone, to provide care.
• If you need care, you may get priority if you need to live with or near your carer.

Medical priority is not awarded for:

• Homelessness
• Overcrowding
• Noise nuisance
• Harassment or vandalism
• Short term illness
• Convalescence
• Disrepair or damp in a property
• Lift breakdowns
• Pregnancy-related problems
• Difficulties coping with children in flats
• Drug or alcohol problems
• Difficulties maintaining a garden

If you have one of these problems, you may be be able to get priority for other reasons. To find out more contact rehousing.

To find out more about the banding scheme and priorities, please go to the HomeChoice Bristol prioritising applications page.

Download the criteria for rehousing on health grounds (pdf, 37 KB)(pdf, 13 Kb) for details of the criteria we use.

Adapted housing needs

If you need to move because you need an adapted property - for example a walk-in shower, stairlift or level access, please apply using the Rehousing on health grounds form. This will not give you medical priority but will enable us to assess your need, and if necessary allow you to bid for specially adapted properties.

Additional heating on health grounds

Bristol City Council tenants only. If you have a serious chronic disease or significant mobility problems you can apply for additional heating on health grounds. (pdf, 28 KB)

Download the Additional heating on health grounds application form (pdf, 215 KB)(pdf, 216 Kb)

Housing for people over 60

Supported housing for older people schemes are for those aged over 60 who require some warden support.  More information about Supported Housing for Older People.

If you wish to be considered please complete a self-assessment form

We have some Very Sheltered Housing where 24-hour care and support is available to its residents. Please do not complete a HomeChoice Bristol application form or health form if you wish to apply for Very Sheltered Housing. 

More information about Very Sheltered Housing.

Specialist supported housing

You do not need to fill out a rehousing medical self assessment form for supported housing.

If you have occupied a specific supported housing project for more than six months and you are ready to move to independent social housing, you may qualify under the Move-On scheme.  For more information contact your Support Worker.

Homeless

For further advice on homelessness contact your local Customer Service Point. or telephone the Customer Service Centre on (0117) 922 2400.

How to apply

1. You must already be on the Bristol Housing Register and have received a letter confirming what your current band award is

2. Fill in the right form which you can download from our related documents section:

• Rehousing on health grounds form
• Supported housing for older people self-assessment form
• Extra bedroom on health grounds for your partner, child or carer

If you cannot download a form please telephone the Customer Service Centre on (0117) 922 2400 and we will post one to you.

If you have already applied, but things have changed, or your health is worse, do not fill in another form, contact us for advice on what to do. Call the Customer Service Centre on (0117) 922 2400 or visit a Customer Service Point.

What happens after you apply?

Your application is considered by a rehousing advisor and/or trained registered nurses in the Health and Housing Team.

We normally write to tell you our decision six to eight weeks after getting your form. If we need to contact your GP or other professional it may take a little longer.

If you have only just registered on the Bristol Housing Register we cannot begin to assess your health needs until you have been added to the Register and you have received an initial band letter.

Getting rehoused if you get priority on medical grounds

There are limited stocks of disabled-adapted houses, bungalows or larger adapted houses, so you may still need to consider different options and other areas of Bristol to find the right kind of home.

If we agree you have medical priority we will say what type of housing you need. If you bid for a different kind of property, you may be overlooked.  If you do not agree with this then you can ask for the medical priority to be removed.

The Health and Housing team are unable to deal with any direct enquiries. All queries should be directed to your local customer service point or council contact centre.