• The Local Authority will assess your priority for housing need against the information you provide on the application form and during any interview with them.
  
  
• When Signpost Housing Association inform the Local Authority of an available property the Local Authority will look at a variety of factors, i.e. housing priority, preferred location and property type before assessing which applicant should be considered for that property.
  
  
• If the Local Authority asks us to consider you for the property we will contact you by letter and invite you to view the property. The letter will also provide you with details of the rent, support charge and any other charges related to the tenancy. The housing officer will be able to offer advice on how to apply for housing benefit.
  
  
• We strongly advise that you invite any other agency representatives involved with your support e.g. Case Workers, Occupational Therapists, Carers and family members to attend the viewing as this can assist with making a fully informed decision about the appropriateness of the property in relation to your needs and the levels of support that the Sheltered Service can provide you with.
  
  
• At the viewing should you wish to be considered for the tenancy of the property an officer would conduct a need and risk assessment with you. This assessment will help you and the sheltered officers determine what types and levels of support are most appropriate in maintaining your independence and to help you to get the most out of the services provided. The assessment will also determine your eligibility for sheltered housing and whether the property is able to meet and sustain your needs appropriately.
  
  The following are a sample but not an exhaustive list of the things that will be discussed:

• Mobility needs
• Cultural/religious needs
• Personal Care
• Health Care.
• Advocacy Needs
• Social Needs
• Financial needs and Legal Arrangement.

Your views and comments are a vital part in this process and will ensure that any decisions about your support are made with your full involvement and agreement.