Surrey Welfare Rights Unit

For some young people, a move to adulthood also means a move into their own home.  This may be a move into supported accommodation,  shared lives or another option. If they are moving to a residential care setting the information on this page is not tailored to them.  Click here for more information. 

This information is about financial support that may be available when your child is living independently. If they are receiving benefits in their own name, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, these should continue to be paid but their change of address should be reported even if you are their appointee.   

Once they are no longer living with you, any elements of welfare benefits you are still getting to help with the costs of your child, will end. It is your responsibility to make sure you tell everyone, who is paying you a benefit, about a change in your circumstances quickly. If you are still receiving Child Tax Credit or Child Benefit for them you will also need to inform His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that your child is no longer living with you. If you are receiving Carer’s Allowance or a Carer Premium/Element paid with a means-tested benefit then this can also continue as long as you continue to care for them for 35 hours or more a week and your child still receives the daily living component of PIP.   There is further information for Carers in our Carer’s booklet.

Your child will need to have their own source of income when they live independently of you.  This will usually mean a claim for Universal Credit in their own name.  In most cases, support with rent will be part of the Universal Credit claim.  But in certain types of supported accommodation rent support is provided by a Housing Benefit claim that is paid as well as Universal Credit. If you are not sure whether the accommodation your child is moving to is supported accommodation, do get advice as this is a difficult area.  

If rent support is provided through Universal Credit there are restrictions on the upper level of rent support. This will depend on whether the accommodation is provided by a private landlord or a social housing provider (like a council, housing association or charity).   

Council Tax 

When your child lives independently of you, they may also be liable to pay Council Tax.  There are discounts and disregards available, including for disabled people in some circumstances.  If your child has a learning difficulty they may qualify for the severe mental impairment disregard. Local Council Tax Support can help those on low income and with limited capital to pay their Council Tax.  Council Tax Support can be claimed in addition to discounts and disregards. The schemes are administered by local authorities.  The rules vary from council to council.  

Other considerations 

When children leave home, they may develop new relationships.  Benefits can adapt to new family circumstances and there may be additional benefits that they can claim. Seek advice if they become part of a couple or have their own family.