The categories of priority in both England and Wales are:

• pregnant woman (and partner);
• has dependent children;
• vulnerable due to old age, mental illness of physical disability, or special reason (or partner of such a person);
• homeless due to an emergency (eg flood, fire).

For England (only):

• most children under 16 or 17;
• young people under 21 (not students in full-time education but who are being looked after, accommodated or fostered);
• people who are vulnerable through having been looked after, accommodated or fostered; or as a result of having been in the armed forces; or as a result of having been imprisoned;
• vulnerable through homelessness due to actual or threatened violence.

In Wales (only):

• young people aged 18-20 who have been looked after, accommodated or fostered;
• young people 18-20 who are at risk of sexual or financial exploitation;
• 16-17 year olds;
• anyone subject to domestic violence (or at risk);
• homeless after leaving the armed forces;
• former prisoner who is homeless after being released from custody.

For full guidance see chapter 10 of the English Homelessness Code and chapter 14 of the Welsh Homelessness Code.