Benefits
Questions on this page:
When are you allowed to leave home?
When can you get your own place?
When can you get housing benefits?
When are you allowed to leave home?
If you are 18 or older, you can leave home without your parent/s’ or guardian/s’ permission.
If you are 16 or 17, you can probably leave home without the permission of your parent/s or guardian/s. If you are under 17 years old and there are concerns for your safety, the local authority could apply for a care order (this would mean that they would become responsible for you). The thing to remember before you move out is that it might be difficult to find somewhere to live if you are under 18. This is because you can’t sign a contract to rent or buy a property until you are 18.
If you are under 18 and can’t stay at home because it is dangerous, you can apply to the council to be accommodated as you are in ‘priority need.’
When can you get your own place?
From the age of 18 you can sign a tenancy agreement (to rent a place) or a mortgage agreement (to buy a place).
If you can’t afford to rent or buy somewhere to live you may be able to get housing benefit to help you to pay your rent.
If you can’t afford to move out from your parent/s house but can’t stay there anymore because it’s not safe or because you have been thrown out, you should make a homelessness application to your local council.
If you are 17 or under and need more than just accommodation, social services might have a duty to provide you with housing and other support.
If you are not sure how to apply for these services call the Child Law Advice Line on: 08088 020 008
When can you get housing benefits?
If you are unemployed, or on a low income, you might be able to claim housing benefit to help you to pay your rent. You won’t be eligible for Housing Benefit if you live with a close relative, are a full time student, have lots of savings or if you are an asylum seeker. If you are under 25 and single, you can only get Housing Benefit for a bed-sit or for a room in a shared house.
To find out if you can get Housing Benefit, contact your local authority (council) – to find the contact details for your local authority do a search online for the name of the area where you live + council.
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