Accommodation for care leavers

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Feeling safe where you live

We want you to feel safe and happy where you live.

If you are a care leaver, we will help you find a good place to live and support you to keep it.

Your local council is responsible for housing.

Leaving care and moving into your own place can feel lonely. We will help you get ready to live independently when you are ready. If you need to move, we will explain your choices and support you every step of the way.

We also run a programme called the Surrey Local House Project. It supports some care leavers to get ready for living independently. Speak to your personal adviser (PA) to find out more.

Getting ready for your own home

At 16, your social worker will help you join the housing register in Surrey. If you live outside Surrey, you can still join, or you can register with your local council.

If you are an asylum experienced young person, your eligibility for housing will depend on your immigration status.

At 17, your social worker and PA will help you talk to your local housing department about your options.

We work with your network, housing departments, private landlords, and our Gateway to Resources Team to find you a suitable home.

Your PA will visit you to check your accommodation and make sure you are okay. You can always contact your PA for advice or support.

Types of accommodation

Your PA will help you choose the best option for you.

Here are some choices:

Staying put

If you live with foster carers, you may be able to stay after you turn 18 if everyone agrees.

You can stay until you are 21 if you are in education, employment or training.

If you are in higher education, you may be able to stay until you are 25.

You will pay rent and follow house rules. Your foster carers will support you and help you learn new skills.

Supported accommodation

You live in a shared home with other young people and have your own room.

Staff help you with cooking, cleaning and managing money.

Some places have staff all the time, others visit regularly.

Supported lodgings

You live in someone’s home and have your own room.

You share the kitchen and bathroom.

You can join family life or live more on your own, but you will always have support.

Private-rented accommodation

If you are 18 and ready to live on your own, you can rent from a private landlord.

Your PA will help you look at properties and check your tenancy agreement. They can also help you work out what you can afford.

You pay rent from wages or Universal Credit.

We can help with your first month’s rent and deposit.

Social housing

Social housing is provided by local district and borough councils.

This usually means having your own place with secure tenancy and reasonable rent.

Important points:

  • You apply directly to the district or borough where you have a local connection.
  • You can register for social housing from age 16 (even if you live outside Surrey).
  • You can usually move in from age 18.
  • You can join up to 3 housing registers in Surrey.
  • It may take years to get a property. You are not guaranteed a home.
  • Your chances improve if you register early and show independence skills.
  • Some councils outside Surrey, may ask for proof you lived there for 2 to 5 years.
  • Your social worker will help you apply when completing your pathway plan.
  • Councils will want to see that you are ready to live independently and have been a reliable tenant who paid rent before.

Preventing homelessness

If you are at risk of losing your home, tell your PA straight away.

We can help you get support from homelessness prevention officers and your local housing team.

Your PA can help you make a homeless application if needed.

For more help, visit the Shelter website or call 0808 800 4444.

Buying and shared ownership

You can buy your own home by:

  • getting a mortgage
  • buying outright
  • choosing shared ownership

Your PA can explain these options if you want to plan for the future.

Financial support

Moving into your first home can be expensive.

Your PA and the Care Leavers’ Service (CLS) can help with:

  • Setting Up Home Allowance (SHA): Up to £3,000 if you turned 18 on or after 1 April 2023, or up to £2,000 if before
  • £100 of SHA must be used for contents insurance to protect your belongings
  • help to get furniture and household items at discounted rates or for free
  • up to £50 for your first bills and up to £120 for your first TV licence or Wi-Fi
  • up to £50 for a suitcase if you need one
  • help finding moving boxes and support you on moving day

Local charities can help you find affordable furniture. Some options are:

Find your local council by entering your postcode.

Additional housing support

We can help you with:

  • support with moving in and storing your things
  • full council tax exemption until age 25 if you live in Surrey, or from 1 April 2025 100% discount if you live outside Surrey. See financial support
  • safe and well visits from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
  • support with your first rent and deposit fort private rented homes
  • help with the Joint Housing Protocol and the rent guarantor scheme
  • access to access to floating support after you move in, speak to your PA
  • homelessness prevention officers if you need housing advice

Support with energy bills

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills:

  • contact your supplier as soon as possible
  • your PA can help you get advice
  • suppliers may offer payment plans, breaks, or reductions

Find more help on hardship funds.

If you have a water meter, you may get a reduced bill through the WaterSure scheme. If you get your water from Welsh Water you're covered by WaterSure Wales.

You, or someone you live with, must get certain benefits and either:

  • have 3 or more children under 19 in full-time education, or
  • a medical condition that means you use extra water.

Translations

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