How to register

How do I apply to join the housing register?

Simply click 'Apply for housing' to get started. You will need an email address and password

I do not have an email address?

It’s very easy to set up an email account; some of the more popular ones include Outlook Gmail or Yahoo. Alternatively, if you have a family member or support worker who can manage your account for you, they can register on your behalf using their email address. If someone is creating an account on your behalf using their own email address they must remember to enter your name on the first screen not their own.

I do not have access to the internet, how do I register?

Many libraries have computers where you can access the internet, often for free but you may need to book a slot first. To do this Find your local library

I have not received the confirmation email

After registering, you will receive an email with a link to click, this is so you can verify your account. If you didn’t receive this email, please check your spam/junk folder as it could be in there. If you still can’t find it, you may have entered your email address incorrectly. If you think this has happened, the simplest thing to do is to re-register with the correct email address. Once the email has been received you must click the link within 48 hours or it will expire. If this happens click Forgotten your account details? to reset your password and have the verification email resent.

What information will I need to register?

It’s a good idea to gather any information you will need to complete the form before you start. You will need:

Names and dates of birth for everyone on the application.
National Insurance numbers for everyone on the application aged 16 years and over.
Details of all the places you (and any joint applicant) have lived in the past 5 years:
- Full address including postcode
- Date moved in
- Date moved out
- Landlord addresses, email, and phone numbers.
Details of your household’s income, savings, and any assets owned.
Details of any health issues that you or your household may have that are being made worse by your current home.

You may not be able to complete some parts of the form without this information.

How long will it take to register?

The amount of time it takes to register will vary depending on the size of your family and why you are applying. For a family of four, you should allow between 30 minutes to an hour to complete the form. Larger families or families with lots of health issues may take longer. You do not need to complete the form in one go, you can fill it in in stages saving as you go. Remember to submit the form when you have finished.

Will I need to provide any documentation to support my application?

Yes, every application will need to provide evidence to support their application. This will include:

Proof of identification for everybody on the application e.g. current passport, driving licence, bus pass or residence permit issued by the Home Office, national identity card and EEA member state identity card
Proof of address e.g. Utility bill (dated within last three months), Council tax bill or benefit award letters
Income and savings details for the household including proof of benefits
Evidence of your local connection to the Dorset Council area

Depending on why you have applied evidence is also needed to support that.

How will I know that you have received my application?

You will receive an email confirming receipt shortly after submitting your form.

How do I provide the documentation?

You will receive an email advising that you have an action to complete on your account. The email will contain a link to the site, making it quick and easy for you to log in and complete the action. All you have to do is select the file you want to upload and press the Upload and complete action button. This will add the document to your application. We will then look at the information you have uploaded and let you know if we need anything else.

Once I have provided all of my information how long will it take to assess my application?

Once we receive the last piece of information we aim to assess and band your application within 28 days. At high-demand times of the year, this timescale can change. You will receive an email informing you of your band, your application number, and the size of property you are eligible for.