Housing and living independently

What are your housing options?

Getting set up in your new home is one of the most important aspects of becoming an independent adult.

Your Personal Advisor will help you to think about your options, which include:

• ‘Staying put’ - Continuing to live with your carer after you turn 18
• Supported accommodation - via housing pathways, or supported shared accommodation with key work support
• Your own flat – when your PA has assessed you as ready and you have completed independent living workshops.

Support to prepare for independence

Learning to live independently for the first time is a big challenge. Suddenly, you are responsible for paying rent, gas, electric, water, travel, food and clothing costs. That’s why we have put in place a “readiness to live in permanent accommodation” checklist to provide evidence that you have the skills you needed to manage and thrive in your own flat. You will complete the checklist with your Personal advisor or social worker.

We have put in place workshops to provide you with the skills you need to thrive.

• Moneyhouse - A 3-day intensive independent living skills programme. You have to attend before you can be approved for your permanent home

I am ready for my own flat, how do I get it?

Once you have been able to demonstrate that you are ready to live independently and your Personal Advisor has completed the checklist and you have been assessed as ready for independent living, your case will be presented to our accommodation panel for agreement for you to progress to applying for your own tenancy.

If you decide that you do not want your permanent tenancy to be in Haringey, you will be supported by your Personal Advisor to apply for housing in the borough of your choice. However just to note, you may not be granted priority access to their housing and the alternative option maybe privately renting.

Your Personal Advisor will be able to support you to do this. When a viewing becomes available, please let your Personal Advisor know so they can come with you. 

Financial support for setting up your new home

You are entitled to:

• Setting up Home Allowance (up to £3000 based on assessment of need) to help furnish your flat
• Practical support to move your belongings
• Help with your benefits claim and ensuring it is transferred to your new home
• Personal Advisor support on moving in day. They will be there to help out with practical things like your gas, electricity and water.
• Apply for a TV licence
• Exemption from Council Tax (until age 25) if you live within the borough
• If your are on a low income or Universal Credit discounted water rates see WaterHelp | Account and billing | Help | Thames Water
• Extra housing support from Housing First, or a Haringey tenancy manager or six months Floating Support (if you are in a housing association flat)