Submitting a housing medical assessment form
You should complete a medical assessment form if you have applied to join the housing register or you are in social housing with a Registered Provider applying to the transfer list and you have a medical or disability need that you would want to be taken into account as part of your housing register application.
When assessing for a medical award your medical problem is considered if it’s made worse by living in your current home. You will not be eligible for a medical priority award due to pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions or a short term illness where you are expected to make a full recovery.
To complete the medical assessment form (H3) you will need all the relevant medical information which is supporting the application. All medical information will be considered.
These may include but not limited to:
- Doctor/Consultant/Hospital letters
- OT Housing Assessment
- Letters from mental health workers
- Education assessments
- Health workers/social services assessments
When considering whether to award a medical award the following criteria will be considered:
- The current impact of the applicant’s housing on their health
- The long term effect to the applicants health
- Is the condition a physical or mental health condition?
It must be noted that mental health can have as much as an impact as a physical condition, also whether they are degenerating conditions.
Is the current housing situation having an impact on your health?
If yes you will need to explain how these impacts on your health
If no, you will not be eligible for a medical award
Is there anything you can do to improve the situation?
Is there anything a statutory body (Social Services/Local Authority/NHS) can do to improve the current housing so you can remain where you are?
Can the current property be adapted to your needs?
Is the property a Housing Association property and if so, is the Landlord aware of any problems?
How will moving improve your health?
You will need to explain this.
Are you receiving benefits regarding this condition(s)?
If so are you receiving the higher or lower rates?
If you are only receiving the lower rates of benefit it will be taken into consideration when you were awarded these benefit(s) and if so when they are due to be renewed.
It is important to specify which benefit you receive.
The age of the person(s) who have the condition
Is the medical specifically related to your age such as dementia/arthritis?
If the condition related to a young person will there be any further degeneration in their condition.
Do you require specialist equipment?
Will you need extra room for storage of equipment, medicines etc
The condition and the layout of the current property must be based on information you completed on the housing register application form.
This is very important as you may have a serious medical condition but still be adequately housed.
When assessing the layout of your existing property it is important that you consider if you can access all the facilities of the property such as bathing, cooking, washing, access into and out of the property. It may be necessary to request an OT report to assist with this.
It should also be noted the location of the property and how close to transport links, shops, school, etc.
It should be noted that if you do not qualify for a medical award you may be able to apply for a Welfare award
If the assessing Officer is still unable to decide they may refer too an outside assessment
Whilst any outside agency’s advice may be taken into account the final decision will be made by a Housing Officer
Any medical award can be reviewed within 28 days upon request of the applicant by writing to the:
Assistant Direct of People and Communities
Rochford District Council
South Street
Rochford
Essex ss4 1bw