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Web Linx
The Adviceguide website is the main public information service of Citizens Advice, providing people with round-the-clock access to CAB
Department for Work & Pensions
Find out if you are entitled to help towards the cost of your accommodation
We all need somewhere to live; most likely you're living at home with your family, and will do that until you go to university, or get a job in a different area, or get married. As it's become more difficult to get a mortgage people are living with their family for longer, perhaps into their 30's!
You may have problems living at home that could mean you'd need to look for your own accommodation. There's basic information in this section that will help you, and you can also talk to your Personal Adviser at the Connexions Centre.
Legal stuff – your rights!
- Basically if you’re under 16 your parents/carers have a responsibility to look after you, and you cannot legally leave home.
- Between 16 and 18 you can leave home, with your parent/carer’s permission. Almost all 16 and 17 year olds are judged to be in 'priority need' when it comes to housing. This means the housing department of your local authority can help find you somewhere to live.
- If you’re over 18 legally you can leave home – but it’s a big step and finding and paying for accommodation is not simple. The law is not very clear about whether people 16 -18 can enter into a legal tenancy, and you would not be able to apply for a mortgage under the age of 18, even if you had the money for a deposit.
There’s information on Adviceguide for 16 -18 year olds.
Runaway Helpline
A free and confidential service
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Help and advice
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Send an untraceable message home
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Somebody there for you day and night.
Phone: 0808 800 70 70
Text: 80234
Visit: Missing people
Depending on your situation you might be able to get some help towards the cost of your accommodation. Check Directgov to find out what you may be entitled to.
Housing benefit is paid through your local authority. Rochdale Housing Department
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Housing weblinx for more useful websites.