Setting up home
Finding somewhere you can afford to live can be very hard whatever age you are - but if you’re young it can be even harder. Here are some reasons why:
- Young people often have low incomes and no savings - so it may be difficult to afford the deposit and the monthly rent…
- Many private landlords aren’t keen on letting their property to younger people - especially if they’ll be claiming housing benefit.
- You need to be 18 to get on many housing waiting lists.
If you’re keen to be independent, setting up your own home can be very exciting, but there are lots of things to consider. The most important is whether you’re ready to leave home….Here are some more…
- Will you be able to cope with looking after yourself? (Cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping ….)
- Will you be able to support yourself financially – you’ll have to pay for your heating, electricity, water supply, TV licence and food on top of your accommodation and any transport costs… You might also need money for your social life…
- How much rent / mortgage can you afford
- How much would the Council Tax cost?
- What sort of accommodation do you want?
- Do you want furnished or unfurnished?
- Do you want to live on your own or with other people?
- Do you know what benefits you may be able to get and how to apply?
Leaving home isn’t an easy option – but if you feel it’s the right time for you to take that step - then remember to make use of all the help and advice available. Why not:start by seeking advice from a housing specialist such as Shelterline on 0808 800 4444, your Connexions Personal Adviser or your local Housing Department. (See contact details below)
- Cannock Chase District Council
Housing enquiries - call 01543 462621
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01543 462621 - East Staffordshire Borough Council
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01283 508000 - Trent and Dove Housing
Housing enquiries – call 01283 508819 - Lichfield District Housing
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01543 308000 - Homezone
Housing enquiries - call 01543 420800 - Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01782 717717 - Newcastle-under-Lyme Housing
Housing enquiries – call 01782 742533 - Stafford Borough Council
Housing enquiries – call 01785 619000
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01785 619478 - Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Housing enquiries - call 01538 483794
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01538 483632 - Moorlands Housing
Housing enquiries - call 01538 380600 - South Staffordshire Council
Housing enquiries - call 01902 696631
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01902 696437 - South Staffs Housing Association
Housing enquiries - call 0845 3001288 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Housing enquiries - call 01782 234567
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01782 232982 - Tamworth Borough Council
Housing Enquiries Tel: 01827 709458/459
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries - call 01827 709540
