Help for homeless care leavers

Most young people who have been in care are entitled to help if they become homeless. The help you are entitled to depends on your age and personal circumstances.

Care leavers under the age of 18

If you are under the age of 18, the Suffolk County Council Social Services department is responsible for finding you somewhere to live. They can be contacted on 0808 800 4005.

18 to 21-year-old care leavers

If you are aged 18 to 21, you can get help from the Suffolk County Council Social Services department and Ipswich Borough Council's Housing Options Team. You are automatically classed as being in priority need until your 21st birthday, which means that the Housing Options Team will help you find a place to live.

Social Services can also help you by providing support and help with training and education.

If you are in full-time further or higher education, social services must find you somewhere to live during holiday periods if you need it.

21 years old and above care leavers

Some older care leavers can get accommodation from the Housing Options Team if you can show that you are in priority need. For example, this may be the case if you:

• Are vulnerable as a result of having been in care
• Haven't had a stable home since you left care
• Have slept on the streets in the past

Suffolk County Council Social Services can help you by providing assistance with education and training until your 25th birthday.

If you are in full-time further or higher education and you have nowhere to stay outside term time Social Services must also find you somewhere to live.

Help finding housing in the private rented sector

You could try to find housing in the private rented sector. Ipswich Borough Council’s Housing Options Team will be able to advise you how to find out what housing is available locally and how to apply for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit to help you with your housing costs.