Housing

If you completed a CAF, you may have discussed your housing situation and the support you may need for the future. Your housing needs have to be assessed to work out what you and your baby will need.

Depending on how old you are different organisations will fill out the assessment for your personal situation and your housing needs. If you are 16-17 the assessment will be completed jointly by a social worker in the Children & Families Assessment Team and a housing officer. If you are older other organisations can complete the assessment such as your support worker or someone in your local housing office.       

There are supported housing schemes across the county for young parents who are in vulnerable situations. The houses usually have shared living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The supported housing can provide accommodation for you and your baby. A link worker will help you to develop a plan for the future which may include help with life skills, education, employment and training or tackling issues you may have with drugs or alcohol.

How do I pay for housing?

You may be able to claim housing benefit if you are on a low income or in receipt of income support or job seekers allowance and pay rent, whether to a private landlord, a housing association, or the council. You can find out about housing benefit on the Directgov website or talk to your local district council as there are some restrictions. On the Directgov website there is an online benefits adviser which will help you to get an estimate of the benefits you may get. 

Banbury Young Homeless Project (BYHP) support young people whatever your personal situation may be, they are based in Banbury but help young people across Oxfordshire. Their staff provide advice and information for all sorts of subjects from drugs through to mental health. They can help you with education and training as well as supporting you with finding accommodation.