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Becoming Independent
Moving on to your own accommodation
Finding a property
This can seem very daunting at first and it is not usually an easy process. There are 2 main ways to rent in the UK. Social housing and privately rented accommodation. If you are here alone it may also be possible to rent a room in a shared house.
Social housing is provided by the council or housing associations. Private rented is supplied by businesses or private landlords.
There is an idea that social housing is better because it is more affordable and more secure. This can be the case but also it is very difficult to find as there are constantly long waiting lists.
We recommend registering with as many local agencies as possible. Go and see them so they can see how you are as a person.
Be prepared to apply for lots of properties before you are accepted. Many landlords will ask for several months to be paid upfront as well as a security deposit of around 1 month.
Before going to view any properties it is worth asking the landlord the conditions of being able to rent. Do they need so many months up front, do they only accept working people, do they accept pets, how many people are able to live there, do they need someone to be a guarantor for you?
Some good websites for properties are
Financial help available
Speak to your local council. They can often help with the first months rent and deposit or maybe some essentials such as a fridge, cooker or washing machine. These are all decided on a case by case basis but it is worth asking.
Help with Rent payments is available to people on Universal credit or some with low income. This is commonly known as housing benefit. It is worth checking if you are eligible with the local Job Centre.
Council tax is attached to properties and is charged by the local council. You must register for this when you move to your property. You can apply for discounts when you move in if you are eligible.
If you are still on a Homes for uKraine visa and not the extension you should appy to be disregarded for Council tax. That would normally bring it down to 50% off. If you are on the extension scheme and are a single adult on your own or living with children under 18 then you can apply for single adult discount which is 25% off. If you are on a low income and in receipt of Universal credit the you can apply for a further discount. To apply for the discounts got to your local council website and select council tax. Council websites can be found by selecting your district under LOCAL INFO page.
Paying bills and registering for utilities
When you move into your own property you will have many things to sort out. You will need to organise Council tax payments, Gas, Electric, Water, Internet and more.
For Council tax it is always best to contact your local council. Normally shortly after moving in you will receive a letter and a bill. All councils allow you to create an account online so you can register for discounts as discussed in the financial help section of this page. Remember if you need help please contact us.
Electricity and Gas. When you move in you should be told who is the current supplier. You should also be told if it is a prepayment meter or a credit meter. There is a big difference to the way you pay. With a pre payment meter you will need a card, key or online account to keep the meter topped up. With a card or key you will need to go to a local PAY POINT shop and ask them to put money on for you and then return home with the card/key and insert it into the meter. Once the money has run out you will be given a certain amount of emergency credit. Once that expires they can turn the gas and electric off.
With a credit meter you will get a bill every month. You can either decide to pay the stated bill each month or split the estimated bill into 12 equal payments. This stops you getting big bills over winter when your usage increases. If your usage is higher or lower than they estimated they can increase or decrease the payments by notifying you.
Internet. You can use USWITCH to find good deals on internet supplies by giving your address.
If you are on universal credit it is worth searching for BT essentials or Virgin essentials as they supply broadband to people on low incomes for around £16 a month. This is only for people on universal credit.
Water. In Lancashire this will be done through United Utilities. They will send a letter after you move in. Once received you can log in and create an account. You can then decide how you want to pay again. Most properties have water meters and will bill you for the water you use. Some properties do not and they will send you a bill for the average usage for the size of property and people living in it.
Changing address
Don't forget to change your address with everything and everyone you have an account or you are registered with.
This will include banks, doctors, dentists, sim card provider, universal credit, employers, schools, nurseries, colleges and Lancashire Council Ukrainian team. Most of these changes can be done online and again if you have any concerns you can contact us to help you.
It is important to keep your address up to date with all these services so as not to miss any important letters that are posted out to you.
Furnishing your new property
Furnishing your first home can be a huge task. As advised in the financial help section ask your council for help. There are also many local groups that will provide used furniture for free or a low cost. Facebook marketplace is also another good option. Please do not send any payments until you receive the items. Local charity shops also offer used items and you can arrange delivery with them. I would say the first step is to contact your local council, see what they can help with. After that contact your local groups and hopefully they will be able to source essential items.
