16 And 17 Year Olds

Quick Guide

Finding housing when you are under 18 years old is not easy. You cannot legally hold a tenancy until you are 18 years old and the amount of help you may get towards your rent from housing benefit will be restricted to the cost of a single room (normally around £54 per week). This means that you will need to look for a room in a shared house. You might find that
many private landlords are reluctant to accept young people.

Getting council accommodation

You can apply to go on the council’s housing register if you are over 16 years old. Acceptance on the housing register will be recorded but it does not guarantee you would be housed immediately. In fact it is unlikely you will be given a council flat. There are a number of supported accommodation schemes across the borough and we can make a referral to one of these. Living by yourself for the first time can be a bit hard if you’re having to cook, clean, do shopping, pay your bills and handle difficult neighbours etc. Supported accommodation gives young people the
skills to deal with these things.

Staying in the family home

Remaining in the family home while you plan a move is usually the best option. If there are problems at home then contact us as soon as possible so that we can advise you and, if required, refer you to mediation services. A mediator is a sort of neutral referee who can help you and your parents sort out your problems. They don’t take sides, they don’t decide ‘who is right’ and they don’t tell you what to do. Instead, they’ll help you work things out for yourselves. Most family difficulties and disagreements can be sorted out, without the need for you to move. Ask for our advice note “leaving home – not getting on with parents” for some tips on how to improve things at home.

If you cannot stay at home

Sometimes it is not possible for you to remain at home, as you may have been kicked out or do not feel safe. If you find yourself homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may need to make a
homelessness application and may be placed in temporary accommodation while your application is being assessed. Our detailed advice note “homelessness – know your rights” will give you more
information. However, everybody’s situation is different and if you find yourself in this situation, contact us as soon as possible so that we can give you the advice that will suit your individual needs. If you make an application and this is accepted, you will be offered more permanent accommodation. It is likely that this will be supported accommodation until you are 18 because you are not old enough to hold your own tenancy.

Getting help from social services

If you are homeless, you might be entitled to help from social services. If you used to be in care, the rules are different but you are still entitled to help. Social services does not have to help all
homeless people who are 16 or 17 but they do have a duty to look into your situation to check what help you are entitled to. You may be entitled to housing and/or financial support if you are under 18 and:

• You have been in care in the past
• You are disabled
• You are classed as being a ‘child in need’

If you have been in care, then ask for our advice note ‘young people who have been in care’.
If you are disabled and are homeless you will normally be accepted as a ‘child in need’.

What is a ‘child in need’?

You will be considered to be a child in need if you need help to manage the things that affect your health and development, such as:

• You don’t have money for food
• You don’t have anywhere to live
• You are having problems that affect your health or education
• You are living with a violent person

Where should I go for help?

You may be entitled to help from social services and/or we may also have a responsibility to help you. Wigan and Leigh Housing work in partnership with the council, so if you contact us we will discuss your situation with you and help you to get the right advice and assistance for you.

Useful contacts

You can contact the Children in Need Team
on 01942 828300 or e-mail
mailto:sscdt@wigan.gov.uk