Care leavers

When you leave care, you have several choices for where to live. Your personal adviser (PA) will help you decide what works best for you.

Supported Lodgings

Live in someone’s home and rent a room. The host provides a safe place and helps you learn skills like:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Budgeting

Costs

• £30 per week (rent is paid by Universal Credit).
• You can work or study while living here.
• You can stay until you turn 21.

Return to Family

You may be able to move back with family. Your PA and social worker will help you rebuild links and make plans.

Staying Put

Stay with your foster carer after you turn 18. You’ll be treated as an adult and pay rent and board (benefits may help). You can stay until 21 if you and your carer agree. This gives you time to prepare for independent living.

Supported Accommodation

Options include:

• Shared housing
• Hostel-style accommodation
• YMCA

Your PA can refer you to these services.

Tenancy

As a care leaver, you have a local connection to all eight districts in Staffordshire until age 21:

• Cannock Chase
• East Staffordshire and Burton
• Lichfield
• Newcastle
• South Staffordshire
• Stafford
• Tamworth
• Leek and Moorlands

You’ll get priority banding when you apply for housing.
Your PA will help with applications and appointments.

Private Renting

You can rent from a private landlord. This gives flexibility but can be expensive. Housing benefit or Universal Credit may not cover all costs, so you’ll need to pay the difference.

Key Points About Staying Put

• You can stay until 21.
• Reviews will check if it’s still right for you.
• You’ll have a written living agreement.
• You may claim benefits.
• Household rules should be agreed together.