Housing & Accommodation

Moving on from care is a big step – but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are different routes you can take, and support available to help you get started.

How Orchard Therapeutic Outreach helps (Weeks 1–3)

Housing triage & paperwork: We help you register with the council’s housing teams and supported housing, complete forms, gather ID, bank details and proofs, and start any Universal Credit claim (including the Housing element) and Council Tax account.

Understanding options: We’ll explain Staying Put/Staying Close, supported housing, council bidding, and private renting in plain English so you can choose what fits you.

Viewings & safety checks: We attend viewings (where possible), check safety, affordability, tenancy type, utility meters, smoke alarms, and help you set up gas/electric/water/internet.

Money to move: We help you explore deposits, bonds, guarantors, rent-in-advance, and Discretionary Housing Payments if needed.

Useful links

Find your Local Offer: search your council site after using Find your local council.

Shelter – housing rights & emergency help: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice · LHA rates (by postcode/area): https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Council tax reduction (check your council site or Local Offer)

What you’re entitled to & your options

Talk to Your Personal Adviser Early

Your Personal Adviser (PA) is there to help you plan your next move. They’ll talk through your options, which may include:

Staying Put – If you’ve been in foster care, you may be able to keep living with your foster carer after you turn 18. It’s not the same as foster care, but it gives you time to build independence while still having that support.
Staying Close – If you’ve lived in a children’s home, you may be offered move-on accommodation plus regular practical and emotional support from trusted adults from your home.
Supported Accommodation – Housing where staff are on-site or visit regularly to help with routines, independence skills, and wellbeing.
Council / “Social” Housing – Some councils use a “bidding” system to apply for properties. Your PA can help you register and explain how it works.
Private Renting – You might choose a room in a shared house or your own flat. Care leavers often get extra help with this (see below).

If You’re at Risk of Homelessness

If you’re 18–20, you’re usually treated as a priority for accommodation help. If you’re 21–24, you may still be supported depending on your situation. If you’re at risk, contact your council’s homelessness team straight away – and ask your PA to go with you.

Extra Support for Care Leavers

Local Housing Allowance (LHA): If you’re under 25, you can usually claim the one-bedroom rate (instead of the “shared room rate”) through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. This makes private renting more affordable.
Deposits & Guarantors: Many councils run rent-deposit schemes, bonds or guarantor schemes to help care leavers. Ask your PA what’s available in your area.
Council Tax: Lots of councils offer up to 100% discount or exemption for care leavers, often up to age 25. Apply as early as you can.
Setting-Up-Home Allowance: A one-off payment to buy essentials like a bed, cooker, fridge or kitchen basics when you first move out. Ask your PA what’s covered.
Private Rented Sector Offer (PRSO): Sometimes councils meet their duty by offering a 12-month private tenancy. You should only accept if it’s suitable and affordable – you can ask for a review if you’re not sure.