Supported living or group homes

Housing with some support included.

Woman and her friend or carer clink cups together, sitting on a sofa.
Supported living means living somewhere that has staff to provide support.
Some supported living housing offers support for a few hours a day, others offer 24-hour support.
You could live in a group home where you have your own bedroom, but share other rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms with other people.
Or you could live in a self-contained flat, with your own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living space.
You might live there short or long term, depending on your needs.
Sometimes it can be a home for life, if you follow the rules and pay your rent.
The council will check your income to see how much you have to pay.
If you aren’t able to work, your benefits will cover your costs.

What’s good about supported housing?

It provides independence with support.
It can help you learn the skills to live more independently.
It can be a good way to meet other disabled young people and make friends.
Supported housing is usually already adapted and accessible for disabled people.
You can keep benefits like Personal Independence Payment or Universal Credit.

What’s bad about supported housing?

It’s not open to everyone. You will have to have an adult social care assessment to see if you meet the requirements.
You may have to pay some of your support costs.

How can I get supported living accommodation?

You will need to request an adult social care assessment from the council.
They will check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Learn more and request an assessment:

Supported living means living somewhere that has staff to provide support.

There are different options available depending on how much support you need, and whether you want to live with other people.

Some supported living housing offers support for a few hours a day.

If you need more help, there are places that offer 24-hour support.

White kettle surrounded by colourful tea and coffee containers.

You could live in a group home where you have your own bedroom, but share other rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms with other people.

Or you could live in a self-contained flat, with your own kitchen, bathroom and living space. Your flat would be part of a group of homes that share support services.

Supported living can help you learn the skills to live more independently. It can also be a good way to meet other young people with disabilities or additional needs and make friends.

How long can I live there?

This varies. It can be short or long term, depending on your needs. Sometimes it is a home for life, if you follow the rules and pay your rent.

How much does it cost?

The council will check your income to see how much you have to pay. If you aren’t able to work, your benefits will cover your costs.

What’s good:

good  independence with support

good  build skills

good  make friends with other residents

good usually already adapted and accessible for disabled people

good  you can keep benefits like Personal Independence Payment or Universal Credit

What’s bad:

bad  eligibility criteria – requires an adult social care assessment

bad  you may have to pay some of your support costs

How can I get supported living accommodation?

You will need to be assessed by Adult Social Care at the council to see if you meet the eligibility criteria: