Guide to Emergency and Social Housing

   

 

Guide to Emergency 

and 

Social Housing
 

This guide provides practical advice for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) who are navigating emergency accommodation, social housing, and medical priority applications in Ireland. It draws on lived experience, healthcare guidance, and housing procedures. While the guide is relevant to people with ME across all levels of severity, particular emphasis is placed on severe ME, where housing and care needs can be especially complex and often overlooked.

Emergency Housing

Emergency accommodation is temporary housing arranged by local authorities under the Housing Act 1988.

A local authority may provide emergency accommodation if:

·        you have no accommodation you can reasonably stay in, and

·        you cannot secure accommodation yourself.

You do not need to be on the social housing list to be assessed for emergency accommodation.

Typical emergency accommodation includes:

·        hotels

·        hostels

·        B&Bs

·        family hubs

·        occasionally short-term apartments.

It is intended to be short-term while the local authority works with you to find longer-term housing.

 

What happens once someone enters emergency accommodation

When someone is assessed as homeless or placed in emergency accommodation the local authority must engage with them through homelessness services and work toward longer-term housing options. Usually the local authority will:

·        assign a housing officer or key worker

·        assess your long-term housing needs

·        help you apply for:

-            social housing

-            HAP

-            other housing options.

Emergency accommodation varies a lot. In practice it can vary widely, including:

•             shared rooms

•             communal bathrooms

•             noisy environments

•             frequent moves between locations.

Because of this, people with severe sensory sensitivities or mobility difficulties may experience significant challenges, particularly when combined with severe ME symptoms.

 

 

About Severe ME

Severe ME is a complex, multi-system condition that can result in significant and long-term impairment to health and quality of life. People with severe ME often have very limited physical and cognitive capacity, with symptoms such as profound exhaustion, extremely low energy levels, and heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

 Emergency accommodation can significantly worsen symptoms due to:

·        Noise, light, and sensory overload

·        Shared facilities and lack of privacy

·        Frequent relocations or unstable environments

·        Physical barriers such as stairs or narrow corridors

 

Medical documentation from a GP or consultant can explain:

·        How unstable or shared environments affect your health

·        Your need for a quiet, private, low-stimulus environment

·        Specific requirements such as ground-floor or accessible accommodation

·        The risk of relapse or long-term deterioration if exposed to unsuitable environments

 

 

Risk Assessment for Emergency Accommodation

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex, multi-system condition that can lead to significant and long-term impairment in health and quality of life. People with Severe ME are particularly vulnerable to environmental stress and physical exertion.

Precautions

·        Provide medical documentation (GP or consultant letter) explaining your diagnosis, sensitivities, and potential harm from unsuitable accommodation.

·        Request private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, or ground-floor accommodation where possible. Explain why shared or communal spaces may worsen your condition.

·        Document mobility aids (wheelchair, walking frame) and storage/charging requirements.

·        Minimize stress and exertion during relocation or assessment visits. If a move is required, plan carefully to reduce travel or physical strain.

·        Communicate your medical needs clearly to staff in advance. Ensure they understand risks of fatigue, relapse, and environmental sensitivities.

 

Why this matters

Without careful planning, emergency accommodation can trigger severe relapses, prolonged worsening of symptoms, or even permanent deterioration. Early medical documentation and risk assessment can help housing officers make appropriate placement decisions, potentially avoiding environments that are medically harmful.

If a person has significant medical needs, healthcare professionals can explain:

·        diagnosis (e.g., severe ME)

·        environmental sensitivities (noise, light, etc)

·        need for a stable and low-stimulus environment

·        mobility limitations

·        need for private accessible accommodation

·        risks of relapse or deterioration.

 

This may help housing officers understand that standard emergency accommodation may not be appropriate. Medical evidence can sometimes influence placement, for example:

·        avoiding shared dormitory-style accommodation

·        requesting a private room

·        requesting an en-suite bathroom

·        requesting ground-floor or accessible accommodation

·        requesting a quieter environment where possible.

This isn’t guaranteed (because availability is limited), but clear medical documentation can help housing officers justify different arrangements.

 

 

Important Notes for local authority/housing providers or key workers

The following notes can be copied as a stand-alone document and emailed, posted, or given to local authority housing providers or key workers. While much of this risk assessment guidance refers to severe ME, it can be adapted to reflect your own circumstances, including the specific health needs you experience and the severity of your ME. The document can be edited to describe your individual needs, the impact of your condition, and any particular housing requirements.

 

 

Risk Assessment & Required Risk Reduction Measures

Emergency Accommodation Needs
Notes for local authority/housing providers, emergency accommodation staff, or key support workers

Condition: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) – Severe

 

Purpose

This document outlines the medical risks associated with emergency or temporary accommodation for an individual with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and the reasonable adjustments required to minimise the risk of deterioration in health.

 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a serious, chronic, multi-system illness characterised by profound exhaustion, severely limited energy capacity, neurological symptoms, autonomic dysfunction, and post-exertional neuro-immune exhaustion -PENE (also referred to as PEM), where even minimal physical or cognitive exertion can cause significant and prolonged worsening of symptoms.

 

Individuals with Severe ME have extremely limited energy capacity and are highly vulnerable to environmental stressors, sensory stimulation, and physical exertion. Exposure to unsuitable accommodation conditions or excessive demands may present a significant medical risk and can lead to symptom exacerbation, prolonged relapse, or long-term deterioration in health.

 

These adjustments are intended to reduce foreseeable medical risk and to support appropriate accommodation arrangements in line with reasonable adjustment principles for individuals with serious long-term health conditions.

 

Identified Risks

 

Assessment Processes

Individuals with Severe ME may be unable to attend assessments at fixed times or locations due to significant energy limitations and the risk of post-exertional symptom worsening. Travel, waiting periods, or prolonged meetings can trigger deterioration in health.

 

 

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

• Assessments should be arranged in a manner appropriate to the individual’s health needs, including consideration of location, timing, and duration.

• Where possible, remote assessments (e.g. telephone or video) or written communication should be considered to reduce physical and cognitive demands.

• If an in-person meeting is required, it should take place at a suitable and accessible location with minimal waiting times and environmental stress.

• It should be recognised that symptom fluctuation and deterioration may occasionally make attendance unsafe; in such circumstances, flexibility to postpone or reschedule assessments without penalty is necessary to reduce health risks.

 

 

Physical Exertion and Mobility Barriers

Severe ME significantly restricts energy levels and mobility. Activities such as climbing stairs, walking distances within buildings, or repeatedly accessing facilities may trigger severe post-exertional relapse.

Relocation processes or repeated assessments may also cause significant exhaustion and deterioration.

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

·        Ground-floor accommodation or access to reliable lifts where possible.

·        Minimise physical movement required within the building.

·        Reduced requirement for repeated travel or attendance at accommodation-related appointments.

·        Allow adequate time and support during relocation or assessments.

 

 

Shared or Communal Facilities

·        Shared kitchens, bathrooms, or busy communal areas increase physical exertion and exposure to environmental stress such as noise and sensory stimulation.

·        Waiting for access to facilities or navigating shared spaces can significantly worsen symptoms and increase health risk.

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

·        Provision of a private room where possible, ideally with en-suite facilities.

·        Avoid accommodation requiring frequent use of crowded communal areas.

Sensory and Environmental Sensitivities

·        Severe ME often includes heightened sensitivity to noise, light, and environmental stressors.

·        Busy or noisy environments can worsen symptoms and contribute to neurological distress and cognitive dysfunction.

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

·        Quiet accommodation where possible.

·        Avoidance of environments with constant noise or high levels of activity.

·        Reduced exposure to noise, bright lighting, and busy corridors.

 

 

Mobility Aids and Equipment

·        Mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walking aids may be required to conserve energy and maintain safety.

·        Equipment may require safe storage and charging facilities.

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

·        Adequate space to safely store and use mobility aids.

·        Access to safe storage and charging points if electric equipment is used.

 

 

Risk of Medical Deterioration

·        Excessive physical or cognitive demands, including repeated moves, prolonged assessments, or travel requirements, may lead to serious deterioration in health. Relapses associated with Severe ME can be prolonged and may significantly reduce an individual’s functioning capacity.

 

Required Risk Reduction Measures

·        Clear communication with staff regarding medical needs.

·        Minimising unnecessary travel, appointments, or repeated assessments.

·        Allowing reasonable adjustments in line with medical documentation.

 

 

 

Supporting Evidence

Medical documentation (e.g., from a GP or consultant) may be provided confirming:

·        Diagnosis of Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

·        Severity of symptoms and functional limitations

·        Sensitivity to exertion and environmental stress

·        Risk of deterioration associated with unsuitable accommodation conditions or excessive cognitive demands

 

 

Implementation

Where possible, accommodation decisions and assessment processes should take account of the health limitations associated with Severe ME. Flexibility and reasonable adjustments in accommodation arrangements and assessment procedures can significantly reduce the risk of medical deterioration and support safer engagement with housing services.

 

 

 

Summary

Due to the nature and severity of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), emergency accommodation arrangements that require significant physical exertion, use of communal facilities, frequent relocation or exposure to high levels of noise and environmental stress may present a significant medical risk.

Reasonable adjustments such as private accommodation, accessible facilities, reduced physical demands, reduced environmental stress and accommodation suitable for limited mobility are necessary to reduce the risk of deterioration in health and to ensure the accommodation environment does not exacerbate the individual’s medical condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Housing

Accessing appropriate social housing can be challenging for people with Severe ME due to mobility limitations, environmental sensitivities, and the post exertional response, post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion -PENE (also referred to as PEM). A strategic, documented approach increases the likelihood of obtaining suitable housing.

 

Step 1: Local Authority Housing List and Medical Priority

1.        Apply to get on the Local Authority List if you are not already on it.  This is essential to access:

·        council housing,

·        housing associations,

·        cost-rental schemes,

·        some disability housing options.

 

2.        Once on the housing list, submit a HMD Form 1 (medical priority form) to request consideration for housing based on medical or disability grounds. (apply for medical priority housing at the same time as applying for the standard housing if you are up to it)

 

 

Key Tips:

Review alternative housing options: Document if you have no suitable alternatives (e.g., cannot live with relatives or rent privately). Local authorities consider this in assessing housing need.

 

Document how current housing affects your health: Include how your accommodation worsens your condition, prevents use of mobility aids, reduces quality of life, and does not meet accessibility needs.

 

 

Step 2: Supporting Documentation (medical letters/reports)

 

GP and Consultant Letters:

·        Confirm Severe ME diagnosis and severity

·        Explain functional limitations and environmental sensitivities

·        Recommend housing adaptations and a stable, low-stimulus environment

 

 

Sample GP/Consultant Letter Excerpt:

 

Severe ME causes profound exhaustion, cognitive dysfunction, and sensory sensitivities. Unstable or shared accommodation can trigger severe relapses and permanent deterioration. Access to self-contained, quiet housing is medically necessary.

 

For people living with severe ME, strong supporting documentation is essential when applying for medical priority housing. This includes input from healthcare professionals, detailed reports on accessibility and functional limitations, and a personal statement describing your needs. You can include letters from the GP, doctors, or OT, Social Worker, or Mental Health Nurse with your Medical Priority request.

 

 

a.       GP and consultant letters

Your GP/doctor/consultant/specialist would provide written support explaining:

·        severity of ME including extremely low functioning, profoundly disabling symptoms and symptoms severities and multiple sensitivities

·        accessibility issues

·        environmental issues - need for quiet, stable housing

The GP/doctor letter would emphasise:

·        that communal or emergency accommodation is medically harmful

·        that relapses can cause permanent deterioration.

The GP/doctor letter would suggest:

·        what type of accommodation is needed. For example:

 

o   self-contained housing

o   quiet environment

o   ground-floor accommodation

o   accessibility, wheelchair access if required.

 

 

b.       Occupational Therapist (OT) letter (optional)

OT reports are extremely valuable for documenting accessibility and functional needs. The OT letter/report is additional to the part of the form they will complete on your behalf.

Assessment Role:

·        Evaluate current home for mobility and environmental barriers

·        Recommend adaptations or suitable housing types

·        Complete HMD Form 1 healthcare professional section

 

 

Step 3. Personal letter

It is important to get your need for appropriate housing across in your own letter so that you highlight your particular overall need with regards to disabilities and medical condition. Your letter is additional to the part of the forms you will complete.

 

Sample Personal Letter Excerpt:

Severe ME significantly limits my physical and cognitive functioning. Shared or unstable accommodation triggers severe relapses. I require quiet, self-contained housing to manage my condition safely.

 

 

Step 4. Contact National Advocacy Service 

You can contact the free National Advocacy Service to support your case.

 

 

Step 5. Make regular contact with the Local Authority 

Once you have submitted everything mentioned above – some applicants report that frequent communication with the local authority can help ensure their application is actively considered.

 

 

Please see steps 1-5 is explained in further detail below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1. (a) Local authority housing list

 

Facing Emergency Accommodation while living with Severe ME may be key to getting more appropriate accommodation. The first thing you should do is apply to get on the housing list if you are not on it already and then apply for Medical Priority.

The assessment process is not always clearly explained, and procedures may vary between local authorities.

 

 

If you have severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), a local authority can recognise medical or disability-related housing need and prioritise you accordingly.

Local Authority assess:

·        Medical priority

·        Disability housing need

·        Unsuitable current accommodation

·        Need for supported or adapted housing

These factors can influence priority on the social housing list or emergency accommodation decisions.

 

Local authorities commonly request evidence such as:

    ·        Medical evidence

·        GP letter describing the condition and functional limitations

·        Consultant or specialist report (if available)

 

Functional evidence

·        Occupational therapist assessment (sometimes arranged through the council or the Health Service Executive)

 

Housing suitability evidence

·        Explanation of why the current accommodation worsens the condition

·        Confirmation that the environment or layout is unsuitable

This evidence helps the council determine medical priority or the need for adapted housing.

 

How councils usually categorise this in Ireland

·        Medical priority on the housing list

·        Need for ground-floor or accessible accommodation

·        Disability housing requirement

·        Need for supported or quiet accommodation

These can influence placement on the social housing waiting list or suitability of emergency accommodation.

 

Important

For conditions like severe ME, councils often look for evidence that the housing situation directly worsens the illness, for example:

·        inability to manage stairs

·        need for a quiet environment

·        inability to access shared facilities

·        risk of relapse from exertion

When this is clearly documented, it strengthens medical priority claims.

 

Here is a link to a Dublin Social Housing Application Form (main housing list form) to give you an idea of what you are required to input:

https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2021-06/new-social-housing-application-form-english-24-june-2021.pdf

 

 

(b) HMD Form 1 (medical priority)

It is from this form where most of the priority decisions happen. Your local authority might have a specific form. Here is a sample HMD form 1 for Dublin:

https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-11/hmd-form.pdf

 

 

Step-by-Step on the HMD Form 1

Steps which may be helpful for when you and healthcare professionals complete the form are available via the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/136Qlp5ktV-F3lyAwDmtysDiq0pRJfLhZ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104868253219054845549&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

 

 

Step 2. GP and Consultant Letters

 

As well as completing their parts of the forms you send to the local authority, GPs and doctors or consultants could support you with a letter/report to evidence your severity of ME and associated disabilities and accessibility issues, etc.

Your GP or consultant can provide critical documentation to support your application. Their letters should:

·        Confirm your diagnosis and severity of ME

·        Explain how communal or emergency accommodation may worsen your condition

·        Highlight functional limitations, environmental sensitivities, and mobility issues

·        Recommend specific housing needs (quiet, low-stimulus, self-contained accommodation)

 

Template Letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1feY0eIy7c5mpiADHJb7c_SABPQ-eF7TR/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104868253219054845549&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

 

 

 

Step 3. Occupational Therapist Letter/Report

 

An OT assessment can be extremely helpful in supporting your medical priority housing application when completing the HMD Form 1 and also writing a comprehensive supportive report. An OT assesses your mobility, accessibility needs, and how your home environment affects your health, then provides recommendations to the local authority.

 

Private vs HSE OT Assessments

·        Private OT: Often more familiar with Severe ME and can provide detailed, tailored reports. Can conduct in-depth home assessments and advocate directly with housing authorities.

 

·        HSE OT: May have limitations depending on local services. Some can provide housing support letters or environmental assessments, but not all are familiar with Severe ME.

 

A private OT assessment may include:

·        Observing your current living environment

·        Assessing mobility and accessibility needs

·        Recommending adaptations or appropriate housing

·        Completing the healthcare professional section of the HMD Form 1

 

 

Important note

Risk Assessment for Severe ME during OT Home Visits

When an occupational therapist or healthcare professional visits someone with severe ME, careful planning is essential to avoid triggering the post-exertional response or relapses.

Consider:

·        Minimizing travel or multiple visits in a day

·        Scheduling assessments at the time of day the person has the most energy

·        Allowing rest breaks and avoiding prolonged standing or movement

·        Limiting sensory stress (light, noise, temperature) during assessment

·        Clear communication before the visit about energy limitations and environmental sensitivities

Proper planning ensures safe, accurate assessments and realistic housing recommendations. without worsening the individual’s health.

 

 

Sample OT Documentation

·        Describe functional mobility limitations and environmental barriers (stairs, narrow doorways, bathroom access)

·        Recommend adaptations (ramps, grab rails, step-free access, powerchair accessibility)

·        Explain how unsuitable housing affects health, independence, and access to services

·        Specify ideal housing (ground-floor, self-contained, low-stimulus environment)

Even if using an HSE OT, requesting that Severe ME needs be considered strengthens your medical priority application.

 

An Occupational Therapist (OT) could write something like the following (sample only):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jYiXhr7s2u-dZSrB402-IIDzgkwJPMmi/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104868253219054845549&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

 

 

Step 4. Personal letter suggestion

 

Your own letter highlights needs that may not be fully captured by healthcare professionals. Include:

·        Daily challenges and functional limitations

·        Environmental and accessibility requirements

·        Risks posed by unstable, shared, or unsuitable housingYour own letter is important for highlighting overall needs that may not be fully captured by healthcare reports.

Tips:

·        Include details on post-exertional response, sensory sensitivities, and mobility limitations

·        Explain why adaptations or stable accommodation are essential

·        Be specific: “I cannot safely use stairs or adapt my current private rental”

 

You can use the following letter as a template and edit to include details about your particular disabilities, issues and needs. When applying for housing, it can help to clearly state the specific environmental needs severe ME.

Examples:

·        quiet environment

·        minimal noise exposure

·        self-contained accommodation

·        stability (no frequent moves).

This helps housing officers understand that standard emergency accommodation may be medically inappropriate. The general understanding of ME is so low you need to paint a picture of your needs and inaccessibility. Saying “I cannot safely and reliably do…x,y,w, z..” is essential to evidencing inaccessibility. Also explaining you cannot adapt your home e.g., if you are in private rented housing may give you priority to accessible housing. (if you live with an owner, like parents, the local authority will suggest you adapt the home)

 

A small tip that helps people with ME

When describing symptoms, include the phrase: The atypical post exertional response, PENE (also referred to as PEM) is a defining feature of ME and helps officials understand why:

•             moving frequently

•             unstable housing

•             shared environments

can significantly worsen health.

 

Personal letter (sample only)

Your request for Medical Priority Consideration – Social Housing Application (sample only):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SdZhgQXYrjJh_FvWBskOjxEuEoUS-UuY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104868253219054845549&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

 

 

Submitting your complete application

 

When submitting your application to the local authority, include:

 

•             Social Housing Support application

•             HMD Form 1 (with sections completed by you, GP or a consultant/doctor, second consultant/doctor or OT or Mental Health Nurse or Social Worker. It is advisable to use consultants or doctors who are familiar with ME, as well as other healthcare professionals with knowledge of ME)

•             GP letter

•             Consultant letter

•             OT letter

•             Personal letter

•             Proof of income (e.g. Income protection payments, Welfare)

•             ID

 

 

Next Steps:

·        Housing department reviews eligibility and priority

·        Medical assessor evaluates supporting documentation

·        If approved, you may be placed on a medical priority or adapted housing waiting list

 

 

 

 

Step 5. Advocacy and Follow-Up
National Advocacy Service (NAS) for people with disabilities
 

·        National Advocacy Service (NAS): Can help communicate with councils, ensure medical needs are recognized, and provide support during delays

 

 

·        Regular follow-up: Weekly calls or emails to confirm documents are received and reviewed may improve processing

 

·        Persistence and documentation often make the difference between being placed in standard emergency accommodation versus suitable adapted housing

 

 

National Advocacy Service: https://advocacy.ie/help/contact-us/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accessing Suitable Housing with Severe ME: 

A Personal Experience and Tips
 

This section shares the experience of X, a person living with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), in navigating social housing, along with practical tips for others applying for medical priority.

 

Feedback from a Person with Severe ME on Accessing Suitable Housing: X’s Experience

X, a person living with severe ME, had already been on the housing list for several years when she applied for medical priority due to her health and accessibility needs. At the time, X was living in accommodation that was inaccessible and unsuitable for his needs which prevented him obtaining a powered mobility chair. The living space was too small, had no street-level access and lacked storage for the chair – significantly limiting his mobility and quality of life.

 

X believes that demonstrating this urgent need for a suitable mobility aid played a key role in securing housing that met his requirements.

 

Support and Advocacy

X’s path to suitable housing was long and challenging. It involved the support of multiple healthcare professionals, including:

·        A private occupational therapist (OT) with expertise in severe ME

·        An HSE occupational therapist

·        A specialist consultant familiar with ME

·        His GP

X’s initial application for medical priority was denied. The letter he received simply stated: “get HAP, you are not a priority case”, with no explanation. A Freedom of Information request revealed no recorded rationale, highlighting a lack of transparency in the process.

 

Recognizing the need for specialized support, X sought the assistance from his consultant, GP, and both private and HSE OTs. The consultant wrote a letter detailing his impairments. The private OT then conducted an in-depth assessment, supplemented by the consultant’s letter, and provided a comprehensive report for the local authority. This documentation clearly outlined X’s mobility issues, accessibility, and housing needs.

 

 

 

Challenges with Public Services and Persistence

·        HSE Ots: Not all perform housing suitability assessments, and many have limited knowledge of ME. Some primary care OTs can provide housing support letters or environmental assessments, but many are not familiar with the specific needs of people with severe ME. Private Ots, though costly, can provide detailed documentation to strengthen a housing application.

 

·        High application volumes: Housing departments receive high volumes of applications, meaning medical reports can take time to review.

·        Communication: X contacted the local authority weekly for several months to ensure his case was actively considered. Persistence in communication can help ensure that applications are reviewed.

 

·        Choice-based lettings: Once prioritized, X found no information about accessibility in the listings. He applied weekly and always followed up by phone to confirm properties could accommodate her powered mobility chair.

 

Timeline

Initial GP referral: X was referred for an HSE OT assessment for a powered wheelchair but had to wait four years. He was provided only a basic chair due to the limitations of his home.

 

Private OT assessment

X paid privately for a home assessment. This OT advocated on his behalf, highlighted his urgent needs, and liaised with the HSE to support his housing application.

Through determination, professional support, and persistent advocacy, X was eventually able to secure social housing appropriate for his mobility needs, demonstrating the importance of specialized knowledge, thorough documentation, and ongoing communication with housing authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Tips for Applying for Medical Priority Housing
 

-            Review Your Alternative Housing Options

Before being assessed by the local authority, carefully consider your alternative housing options. For example, can you live with parents or relatives, or do you already rent privately in accessible accommodation? Local authorities will take these alternatives into account when assessing housing need, so it’s important to document if no suitable options are available.

 

 

-            Document How Current Living Conditions Affect Your Health

You need to clearly demonstrate that your current accommodation:

·        Worsens your illness or disability

·        Prevents you from using urgently needed mobility aids

·        Reduces your quality of life

·        Does not meet your accessibility needs

·        Leaves you with no alternative housing

 

Both your consultant and any supporting healthcare professional (e.g., a private or HSE OT) should explicitly state these points in their supporting documents.

 

-            Consider Both Medical and Disability Grounds

On the local authority medical priority housing application form (HDM Form 1), Section 1: Disability and/or Medical Information, you are asked whether you are applying under medical grounds or disability grounds. For people with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), it can be beneficial to consider both, with a clear explanation:

 

Disability grounds – ME can cause significant functional limitations, profound fatigue, and reduced ability to perform daily activities. Highlight the long-term impact on daily living, care needs, and accessibility requirements. At least one healthcare professional (e.g., an OT) should provide a detailed account of your disability, emphasizing functional limitations, care needs, and any accessibility challenges. Selecting ‘disability grounds’ is generally advisable if supported by professional documentation.

 

Medical grounds – ME is a recognized medical condition with documented health impacts. This option emphasizes the clinical severity of your illness and how it affects your housing needs.

 

Careful and detailed documentation, combined with professional support, can strengthen your application and ensure your housing needs are clearly understood.

 

 

Special adaptations list (housing)

 

When you apply for social housing, your local authority may identify that you require a home that is adapted for a disability or medical condition.

Instead of being offered any standard property, you may be placed on a special adaptations list (sometimes called an adapted housing list or medical priority category depending on the council). This is a time-based list like the housing list.

This means:

·        You are waiting specifically for a suitable adapted property

·        The property must meet your medical or accessibility needs

·        Allocation may be prioritised based on medical assessment

Examples of adaptations that might be required include:

·        Wheelchair access

·        Level-access shower or wet room

·        Stair lift or through-floor lift

·        Wider doors

·        Ground-floor bedroom/bathroom

·        Ceiling hoists or similar equipment

These types of adaptations are commonly funded or recommended through housing adaptation schemes.

 

How to get onto this list

Normally the process is:

·        Apply for social housing with your local authority.

·        Submit medical information from a doctor, occupational therapist, or consultant.

The council’s medical assessor/occupational therapist reviews the application.

If approved, your housing need may be categorised as requiring special adaptations or medical priority.

You are then matched only with homes suitable for your needs.

 

The special adaptions list is a separate list to the housing list and if/when an adapted unit becomes available the property will be offered to the most suitable applicant highest on the list i.e. on the list the longest.

You still have your positions on the standard housing list as long as your application for social housing support is active.

Ireland’s local authorities manage housing allocations themselves, so they can have:

·        Different terminology

·        Different priority systems

·        Separate lists for adapted housing

For example, some councils may have:

·        Medical priority categories (A/B/C)

·        Wheelchair accessible housing lists

·        Special adaptations register

·        Transfer list for adapted homes

Because adapted properties are limited, the waiting time can sometimes be longer.

 

Typical situations where someone is put on a special adaptations list

Examples include people who:

·        Use a wheelchair full time

·        Have severe mobility issues

·        Need hoists or specialist equipment

·        Cannot use stairs

·        Need ground-floor accommodation for medical reasons

Often an occupational therapist report is required.

 

The Special Adaptations List is usually a priority category within the social housing waiting list for people needing accessible homes, and it’s managed by each local authority separately.

 

 

Difference between the “Special Adaptations List” and adaptation grants

If you already own or rent privately you can apply for grants such as:

·        Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

·        Mobility Aids Grant

·        Housing Aid for Older People Grant

These help pay for adaptations like ramps, showers, lifts or extensions. Maximum grant amounts include up to €40,000 for disability adaptations (means-tested). These grants are also administered by local authorities.

 

 

 

 

Other housing routes for people with severe Illness

 

HSE Disability Housing Support Pathway

Through the Health Service Executive (HSE), people with significant disabilities can sometimes access housing through a social worker or disability service referral.

This route can lead to:

·        supported living units

·        adapted apartments

·        small disability housing developments.

 

Often the HSE works jointly with Approved Housing Bodies such as:

 

Clúid Housing - https://www.cluid.ie/about-us/

Tuath Housing Association - https://tuathhousing.ie/about-us/

Respond Housing - https://www.respond.ie/family-homeless-services/

 

Some developments are allocated partly through disability services, not just the housing list.

With severe ME, a community healthcare social worker referral may be very helpful.

 

 

Long-Term Leasing Scheme

Under this scheme, local authorities lease homes from landlords for 10–25 years and allocate them as social housing. The programme is run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Why it can help:

·        these homes are often ordinary houses or apartments

·        quieter than emergency accommodation

·        sometimes located in smaller towns or rural areas.

Again, you must normally be on the housing list first.

 

 

Cost-Rental Housing (Lower Rent Housing)

Cost-rental homes are provided by Approved Housing Bodies and the state.

They charge below-market rents because the housing is subsidised.

Projects are run by organisations such as:

Clúid Housing

Tuath Housing Association

 

Some developments are managed by the Land Development Agency.

 

Important points:

·        they often require moderate income; eligibility depends on income thresholds set by each scheme.

·        they are typically self-contained apartments, which may suit ME better.

 

 

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

If you are receiving disability-related payments, you may qualify for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). This scheme allows the council to pay rent directly to a landlord. It’s administered by local authorities under national housing policy.

If you find a suitable rental property:

·        the council can subsidise most of the rent

·        you pay a smaller contribution.

This can sometimes work faster than waiting for social housing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charities that can help with deposits or securing rentals

(you may find that there are discrepancies depending on where you are based)

 

Charitable organisations occasionally assist people who are disabled or at risk of homelessness.

 

Focus Ireland

They sometimes provide:

•             tenancy sustainment support

•             help finding landlords willing to accept HAP

•             advocacy with local authorities.

They also operate tenancy support workers in many counties.

 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

SVP sometimes helps with:

•             rental deposits

•             basic furniture

•             short-term emergency financial help.

You can contact them through a local conference or via their national helpline.

 

Simon Communities of Ireland

They provide services across multiple regions including:

•             housing support

•             tenancy sustainment programmes

•             help accessing social housing.

They can sometimes advocate with councils for vulnerable people.

 

Thanks 

Thank you to everyone who shared their lived experience and insights which supported the development of this guide. Your honesty and willingness to contribute have helped ensure that the realities faced by people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) are reflected in a meaningful and practical way.

A special thank you also to those who have reached out asking for information about emergency accommodation, social housing, and medical priority. Your questions and requests were the reason this guide was created.

Your voices matter, and your contributions have helped shape something that we hope will support others navigating these challenges.