Council and democracy

Will I have to pay?

Many services are free, but depending on your situation you might have to pay for some or all of your support.

There is no charge for housing-related support if any of the following apply:

• You are receiving Housing Benefit and your combined capital and savings (this does not include the value of your house or possessions) are below £22,250 (financial year 2008/2009)
• You live in short-term accommodation - defined as ‘intended to bring about independent living within two years’ - such as a hostel for homeless people
• You are receiving aftercare – called ‘Section 117 aftercare’ - following a stay in a mental health hospital
• You have less income than the allowance we make for your living expenses

If you are not eligible to free housing-related support, you can still apply for a financial assessment. You will be assessed on any joint income and savings as services are normally provided for a household, rather than for an individual.

The cost of housing support services varies according to what services you receive and who is providing them. Your landlord or support provider should be able to advise you of the full cost.

Whatever housing-related support you are entitled to will be paid by the Supporting People team directly to the service provider.

Supporting People does not pay for things such as personal homecare (e.g. help with washing, dressing, gardening, decorating), staying in a registered care home, or non housing-related matters such as education or holidays.