We will encourage you to stay safely in care with an OFSTED registered provider until you are 18. In preparation of you turning 18 your Social Worker with your PA and other services will work with you to explore your accommodation options.

By working together on your future plans we will provide financial support to help you to live within semi-independent accommodation, until you can apply for Universal Credit and other relevant benefits when you are 18.


Housing Options After 18

When you are over 18, your PA and partner organisations will help you find safe and suitable housing.
Your accommodation options may include:

  • Staying Put – this means you may be able to stay living with your foster carer if you both agree.
  • Supported accommodation – this is an option if you’re not quite ready to manage a home on your own and would like some extra support.
  • Supported lodgings – this means living in a family home with your own room and some support, available up to the age of 23.
  • Social housing – once you are ready for a tenancy, care leavers are treated as a priority for council housing.
  • Shared housing – this means sharing a home with friends, other young people, or people your age.
  • Housing outside Telford & Wrekin – if you want to live in a different area, your Personal Advisor (PA) can help you check what housing support and priority you may get there.


All housing decisions will be planned with you, your PA, and Housing Services to make sure the option is right for you.

Care Leavers Accommodation Options

Staying Put and Staying Close

Staying Put

If you are living with foster carers:

  • You may be able to stay with them until the age of 23
  • Or until you finish an agreed education or training programme after turning 23

Download the Staying Put Leaflet (.pdf Size: 131Kb)

Staying Close

If you have lived in residential care:

  • Some providers may offer Staying Close support
  • This can include emotional and practical help as you move on
  • We will support you to explore whether this is an option for you

Help with a Home

When you are ready to live independently, we can support you with:

  • Finding a tenancy
  • Understanding bills and finances
  • Being a responsible neighbour
  • Managing your home confidently

We can also help with:

  • Removal costs for your first independent home
  • Advice on how to look after your home such as cleaning and reporting repairs

Independent Living Skills

We offer workshops and support to help you build confidence, including:

  • Managing money and bills
  • Cooking and looking after your home
  • Practical skills for independent living

Independent Living Skills 

Money, Grants, and Discounts

You may also be eligible for:

  • A Setting Up Home Grant (up to age 25), which may include:
    • Furniture and essential items
    • Contents insurance (first year)
    • TV licence
      Home starter pack
    • Cooker fitting
    • Removals and decorating
  • Council Tax exemption up to age 25
  • Up to 70% off water bills through Severn Trent
  • Help with deposits and rent in advance
  • A Winter Weather Payment of £10 per week (1st October – 31st March) in your first year of independence
  • Support to access a free Tesco Mobile SIM (3 months of data, texts, and calls)
  • Help accessing the TalkTalk Broadband Offer through Universal Credit

 

Education 

If you are in higher education, we can support you to find term‑time accommodation outside of university periods.


Housing Services

You will have a named housing officer working with you and your PA. 
You will receive a Personal Housing Plan setting out:

  • Your housing options
  • What you need to do
  • What services will do to support you

Care leavers who are homeless or at risk will be treated as a priority and we work to prevent this wherever possible. If emergency accommodation is needed, we will provide safe and suitable options, ideally with 24/7 support for young people.