Living on your own (care leavers)

What help will I get?

Once you are ready to live on your own, your Young Person's Advisor (YPA) will: 

• help you to apply for your own home through Durham Key Options.
• make sure you are given priority when bidding for houses / flats. 
• help you to claim for Universal Credit and other benefits so that you can pay your rent.
• help you to apply for council tax reductions.
• help you to manage your home, pay bills and deal with repairs.
• help you to access a grant from Welfare Assistance and a Setting Up Home Allowance (£3,000) so you can buy items you need to set up your home. 
• give you practical support to move into and furnish your home.
• help you to develop your independent living skills with training from the National Open College Network.
• help you if you are at risk of losing your home.