Young parents

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

Where will I live?

There are lots of different options, which each have pros and cons. If you have children or are pregnant, you need to think carefully about what sort of place you need, and what you can realistically afford.

What if I need somewhere immediately?

If you've nowhere to stay, don't panic. In many cases the council's housing department and/or social services may have a legal duty to help you (see below).

You can also look into other emergency options or call our free housing advice helpline on 0808 800 4444. Shelter cannot house you, but our advisers may be able to help you find a place to stay.

Can I get financial help?

Check out our information on the help you may be able to get. There are special rules on housing benefit for students and other people under 25. These will affect you while you are pregnant, but once you have children, you'll probably be exempt.

If you have been looked after by social services in the past, you may be entitled to ongoing financial support.

The rules are complicated so talk to an adviser if you need help. Use our directory to find one.

Can you get help from the council or social services?

If you have nowhere to stay, the council's housing department may have a duty to house you. You don't have to be sleeping on the street, to get help, and applying as homeless isn't the same thing as going on the waiting list.

However, certain groups of young people, are entitled to help from social services rather than the council's housing department. This may be the case if you:

• are under the age of 18, or
  
• have a disability, or
  
• have been in care in the past, or
  
• have applied as homeless but the housing department believes that you are intentionally homeless (for example because you left accommodation that you could have stayed in). 
  

If you are in one of these groups the housing department will normally ask social services to take responsibility for you.

Use our emergency housing rights checker to work out what you're entitled to.

If the council won't help, or you have problems dealing with the two departments, don't be put off. Get help from an adviser to check what you are entitled to - use our directory to find one.