Shelter welcomes changes to housing benefit for 18-21s

Responding to the announcement that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will offer the housing element of universal credit for all 18-21-year-olds, our Campaign Director Greg Beales said:  

"The withdrawal of housing benefit for 18-21s put young people at real risk of homelessness. And at Shelter we have seen young people in desperate situations, with no family to turn to for support. With soaring rents and a lack of social housing, this has left many facing homelessness. Alongside not having somewhere secure to call home, this can prevent them from finding a job, maintaining relationships and living a full and decent life.

“Many just need the helping hand that housing benefit can provide, so we’re thrilled at the decision to provide support to all 18-21s if they need it. We’ve been working closely with the government on this and hope this powerful change will prevent many young people becoming homeless in the future, and potentially ending up on our streets.”