Advice if you might become homeless

If you are leaving care or have recently left care, you may be able to get help with housing and support.

The help you receive depends mainly on your age and circumstances. Most care leavers are entitled to help if they become homeless.

If you are under 18

Children’s services are responsible for finding you somewhere to live.

If you are 16 or 17 and cannot stay where you are living, contact children’s services as soon as possible. In most cases, a homeless 16 or 17 year old will be treated as a child in need.

They must:

• provide accommodation or help you find somewhere to live
• support you financially with essential living costs
• help you with education, training or personal support needs

Most people aged 16 or 17 are not able to claim benefits, so support will usually come from children’s services.

If you are aged 18 to 21

If you spent time in care when you were aged 16 or 17, you are automatically classed as being in priority need until your 21st birthday.

This means we should help you find somewhere to live if you become homeless.

Support may include:

• help to find suitable accommodation
• access to temporary accommodation if you qualify
• advice on your housing options

Children’s services may also continue to support you with:

• education or training
• financial support
• planning for independent living

If you are in full-time education, children’s services may need to provide accommodation during holiday periods if you need it.

If you are over 21

You may still be able to get housing help if you are considered to be in priority need.

This may apply if you:

• are vulnerable because you have been in care
• have not had stable accommodation since leaving care
• have experienced homelessness, including rough sleeping

Support will depend on your circumstances.

Ongoing support as a care leaver

You should continue to receive help and advice after leaving care.

This usually includes:

• a personal adviser to support you
• a pathway plan setting out your needs and goals
• help with housing applications and benefits
• support with education, training and employment
• advice on managing money and living independently

Your personal adviser should stay in contact with you until you:

• turn 21
• turn 25 if you are in education or training

Who is responsible for helping you

The council that last looked after you remains responsible for supporting you, even if you move to another area.

Types of accommodation

Accommodation should be suitable for your needs.

You may be offered:

• supported accommodation
• a hostel
• a self-contained flat

In some cases, you may still be placed in supported care settings.

If you are placed in unsuitable accommodation, such as bed and breakfast, you should get advice as soon as possible.

Financial support

When you turn 18, you may be able to claim benefits such as Universal Credit.

You may also be able to get help with:

• rent and housing costs
• deposits or moving costs
• essential living expenses

The support available will depend on your circumstances and eligibility.