We can help you find the right home and also support you with living independently so that you feel confident and prepared.
All care leavers can get help with accommodation. Talk to your
personal advisor to find out about the help we can offer.
You can access a range of accommodation options based on your needs and preferences. Your personal advisor can support you with this decision. Options include:
- ‘staying put’ with your foster carer
- moving into supported or semi-independent accommodation
- renting your own home
- planning towards buying your own property
Apply for a council home
As a care leaver you can apply for a council home. Let the housing team know you are a care leaver when you apply.
This will mean you get priority, with an urgent need to move, and is backdated to your sixteenth birthday.
Find out
how to apply and get more information on council housing.
Help with moving into a new home
When you are ready to move into your own home we will support you to buy the essential things that you need. This is known as a setting up a home allowance.
The amount you will get depend on your need, but includes support with:
- furniture, flooring and white goods
- decorating costs
- your first TV licence
- removal and transport costs for moving in
- cooker and washing machine connection costs
- one year of contents insurance
- health and safety pack
- additional support for single parents
Your personal advisor can also provide you with luggage to help you move.
We will also support you with paying towards your utility bills for the first 2 years when you move into your new home.
When you are planning to move into your first independent tenancy, you are not entitled to claim housing benefit once you have moved in.
Other support to help you live independently
Speak to your personal advisor for more information on how to get help when you start to live independently.
Support worker
In addition to your personal advisor, a referral can be made for a floating support worker. Support workers offer guidance and support to assist you to make a smooth transition to independent living.
Help with food and paying your bills
There may be times when you find yourself short of food or struggling to pay some of your bills. This can be a challenge when first moving into your own place.
In these moments, depending on what you need your personal advisor can help. They may be able to arrange a food parcel or a bit of extra help towards your gas or electric costs.
They will also make sure you have the right support moving forward, this could be helping you to make some budget plans or sorting out any benefit problems.
Benefits and discounts
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to claim benefits to help with the rent or council tax.
You may also be able to get a reduction on your council tax for reasons such as being a full time student or living on your own. Your personal advisor can help you explore all of the options.
Check if you can get help with council tax.
Winter fuel allowance
If you are responsible for your gas and electricity bills, you can access support towards costs for your first 2 years of living independently. You can get £20 per month in December, January and February to help you through winter.
Guarantor
Leeds City Council can act as your guarantor if you are a student in full time accommodation.
Deposits for private rented home
Depending on your circumstances we may be able to provide help towards your deposit.
