Help, I’m being kicked out of home

It must be difficult if your mum is threatening to kick you out, but there is help available if you think you’re going to be homeless. There are a number of different housing options open to you, depending on your age, income and what is what is available in your area. Your three main options are:

• supported housing or hostels,
• making a homeless application to the council
• renting from a private landlord.

Supported housing includes hostels, shared houses, or a flat of your own. You normally get help from support workers who visit you regularly or work in the same building. They often help with benefits, housing, training, education or anything else you might need extra help with. One example of supported housing is a Foyer. Foyers provide housing, training and support for young people. There are foyer schemes around the UK, you can apply directly to some but others need a referral from a hostel, the council or social services.

To find out what supported housing exists in your area talk to a local advice agency such as a Citizens Advice Bureau or a housing aid centre.

If you’re going to be homeless you can also apply to the council for help by making a homeless application. As you’re 18 the council will have to provide you with housing advice but they only have to provide emergency housing to people who are classed as being in priority need, this includes people who have children or have significant physical or mental health problems or are vulnerable for other reasons.

You can also look at the possibility of privately renting a home. You can find privately rented housing through estate agents, letting agencies, newsagents’ windows and advertisements in local newspapers. Remember there are other costs on top of your rent including your deposit (at least the equivalent of one month’s rent).

If you find somewhere to rent, you may be eligible for housing benefit. Housing benefit is available to help people who are on benefits or who have low incomes to pay their rent. But it’s important to bear in mind that sometimes your housing benefit can be restricted and will only cover a certain amount of your rent.

If you are homeless and in an emergency and want to speak to someone before you contact the council then you could phone Shelterline, a free, confidential, national housing advice phoneline, on 0808 800 4444.