1 Homes with Support Ann Fitzpatrick 5 th March 2007

2 Housing Options Rent – the house is let by a housing association or a private person or company Buy outright – mortgage from bank or building society

3 What rent will I pay? Housing Associations will charge a Fair Rent which is determined by the Rent Officer in the Housing Benefit Department If you are on a low income or welfare benefits you may be entitled to Housing Benefit to cover the costs of some or all of your rent

4 Want to rent accessible housing? Get registered as needing housing with your council, they will charge an affordable rent Ask which housing associations operate in your district Ask how applications are prioritised Apply to local housing associations as well as the council Explain your needs

5 Common terms when buying Leasehold The land on which the house is built is owned by someone else (requiring an annual payment of ground rent) Freehold The land is owned by the person who buys the house

6 New Schemes to help homebuyers Part buy part rent 1. Open Market Homebuy 2. Social Homebuy 3. Co-ownership

7 Support at Home Assessment of need from a social worker Agree a care plan to meet your needs Use carers from an agency, or Use the Direct Payments Scheme and employ Personal Assistants

8 What does it cost? You will have a financial assessment under the Fairer Charging Policy and may be required to pay a contribution to the cost of your service

9 Welfare Benefits Get a Benefit Check You may be entitled to: Incapacity Benefit Disability Living Allowance Mobility Allowance Income Support Independent Living Fund Housing Benefit

10 Any questions?