Homelessness – if you are a care leaver

This page gives you specific advice for if you are a care leaver, and are homeless or worried about becoming homeless.

• The code of guidance has a specific chapter which advises councils how to deal with applications from care leavers
• Being a care leaver could mean you are entitled to accommodation from the Council. For example, if you were looked after when you were 16 or 17 and you are now between 18 and 20 and homeless, you will automatically be in priority need. This would usually mean you are entitled to temporary accommodation whilst we deal with your application, but other factors would have to be considered to decide whether you were owed an accommodation duty on an ongoing basis
• People aged under 35 who rent from a private landlord can only usually receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit up to the maximum shared room rate, rather than the 1 bedroom rate. If you have been in care, this restriction doesn’t apply until you turn 22
• As a care leaver, you should continue to receive help and advice from your personal adviser until you are 21, or 25 if you are still in education or training

The Housing Needs Advice and Support team offer advice and support if you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless:

• Open Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4pm (no appointment needed for initial advice)
• Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AX
• 023 9283 4989 – housing.options@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

A very limited service is available outside of these hours for crisis situations only on 023 9282 4244.

For more advice and guidance around homelessness, read the if you are homeless, or worried about becoming homeless page.