Moving out benefits
Question
I am planning to move out of my parents house and move into my first flat. Am I eligible for any grants or benefits to help me with rent and bills?
Answer
If you want to leave your parents' home and get a place of your own, there may be a number of different options open to you to help with your rent and bills.
You may be entitled to claim housing benefit to help pay your rent, even if you're working. Whether or not you're entitled will depend on your income and other personal circumstances. To be entitled to claim housing benefit, you must be able to show that you meet the following conditions:
- You have a low income and savings below a certain amount;
- You are responsible for paying the rent for your accommodation;
- The accommodation is your only or main home.
Single people under 25 who rent from a private landlord will normally only get enough housing benefit to cover the average cost of a single room in a shared house in your area. This is known as 'the single room rent rule'.
You might also be entitled to other help in paying for somewhere to live. To find out more about this, it might help to speak to a benefits adviser. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) may be able to help by checking whether you're entitled to claim housing benefit and how much you could get, and if there any other benefits you can claim.
Finding accommodation can be difficult due to the high cost of housing and your options may be limited to how much you can afford. You need to think carefully about your options before moving out. Private renting can be expensive, and you'll need to find the money for a deposit and at least one month's rent in advance. You could check if there are any schemes in your area that may be able to help if you can't afford a deposit (usually called 'deposit schemes').
Cheaper housing can be found through council housing, housing associations and housing co-ops. But in many areas it's hard to get a place and you could be on the list for a long time. You might want to put your name down anyway so that you've got a chance of getting a place in the future. Your local council may be able to give you details of housing associations in your area or you could search for this information on the Housing Corporation website.
Another option is foyers for young people - usually up to the age of 25. They generally have a waiting list. Some will let you apply to them directly, but others want the council or an advice centre to arrange the place for you. They like you to continue with training or education whilst you are there.
You may want to seek further advice from a local advice service that could go through your options with you in more detail. Connexions Direct may also be able to help. They offer advice on a range of subjects for young people under 19, including benefits and housing. You can go to your local Connexions centre or ring their free helpline on 080 800 13 219.
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Question answered by Shelter
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