Suitable accommodation for young care leavers
Any accommodation we provide should be suitable for you. You may get a place in a hostel or a self-contained flat.
It's unlikely, but in some cases, you could be offered a place in a children's home or foster care. Ask your personal adviser to help you if you have problems in your accommodation.
Get advice immediately if you're placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, or any other unsuitable accommodation.
Get help from Shelter, or call its free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 to find services near you.
Single room rate
Usually, if you're under 35 and you rent from a private landlord, the maximum Housing Benefit or Universal Credit you can get is the same rate you would get for renting a single room in a shared house.
But, if you've been in care, this doesn't apply until you turn 22. You should be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, even if you have just spent one night in care.
There is a maximum amount that you can be paid, which depends on the area you live in.
Priority need
If you're 18 to 21 and spent at least one night in care when you were 16 or 17, you are automatically classed as being in priority need until your 21st birthday.
This means you may be entitled to emergency housing from us.
Extra help for moving into a new place
If you are a care leaver moving to a new place, you may be entitled to a budgeting loan to help pay for any rent in advance, moving expenses or household items. Most people who have been on income support or jobseekers' allowance for at least 26 weeks can apply.
These loans are paid back through deductions from your benefits.
Additionally, as a care leaver, we'll give you a £2000 (one off) leaving care grant to support you set up your home. Please speak to your personal advisor in relation to this.
Help and advice for homeless care leavers
Most young people who have been in care are entitled to help if they become homeless. The help you are entitled to usually depends on your age and personal circumstances.
Get advice if you become homeless.
An adviser can help you to:
- check whether we should help you
- tell you what sort of accommodation and support we provide (this will give you an idea of what you can expect)
- make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to
- tell you what longer-term housing options are available in your area and give you an idea of how much it might cost
- put you in contact with specialist support organisations or local schemes that can help you raise a deposit or find a suitable place to live
Get help from Shelter, or call its free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444 to find services near you.