How to move on from supported living in Liverpool and Wirral: a step-by-step guide

Leaving supported living, a hostel or temporary accommodation is a big step. Done well, it is the start of a more settled, independent life. This guide walks through the steps, whether you live in Liverpool, Birkenhead, Wallasey or anywhere else on the Wirral.

1. Agree that you are ready to move on

Most supported housing schemes have a move-on plan. Ask your support worker or key worker what the scheme needs to see before it agrees you are ready. This often includes:

• paying your rent or service charge regularly
• managing your money and bills with less help
• keeping appointments and looking after your health
• having a plan for any support you still need after you move

If you do not have a move-on plan yet, ask for one. It gives you clear goals and a rough date to work towards.

2. Get your documents ready

Landlords and housing providers will usually ask for:

• photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, or another accepted ID
• proof of your benefits, such as your Universal Credit statement and any PIP, DLA or ESA award letter
• your National Insurance number
• a reference from your current housing provider or support worker

Keep copies on your phone and in a folder. Having these ready can save days when a room comes up.

3. Check how your rent will be paid

If you get Universal Credit, it may help with your housing costs. If you move into supported or exempt accommodation, your rent is often paid through Housing Benefit from the council instead, while Universal Credit still pays your living costs. Your new provider should explain which applies to you. If you also get PIP, DLA, LCWRA or Carer's Allowance, you are usually not affected by the benefit cap, which can make it easier to cover your rent in full.

4. Apply through more than one route

Do not rely on one option. In Liverpool and Wirral the main routes are:

• Property Pool Plus. This is the shared housing register for Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley and Halton. If you qualify, you can bid for council and housing association homes each week. Waiting times can be long, so join early.
• Move-on and supported shared houses. Providers like Next Step Rooms let furnished rooms with bills included and help with the housing application.
• Private rented rooms. Some private landlords accept Universal Credit. Never pay money before you have viewed a room and signed an agreement.

5. Ask about help with moving costs

Moving can be expensive. Ask your support worker about:

• help from your council's local welfare or household support scheme
• a budgeting advance from Universal Credit
• charities that provide free or low-cost furniture and starter packs

A furnished room with bills included removes many of these costs at the start.

6. Plan your first month

The first few weeks are when people most need a little help. Before you move, plan:

• telling Universal Credit and the council about your new address on the day you move
• registering with a GP near your new home
• how you will keep in touch with any support you still need
• a simple weekly budget for food, travel and your phone

How Next Step Rooms can help

We let furnished rooms in supported shared houses with all bills included, for people on Universal Credit who also get PIP or another extra benefit. Register for a room or join the free waiting list and we will call you back within 1 hour. Support workers can refer a client here.

Questions people ask

Sources and official help

• Property Pool Plus housing register
• Liverpool City Council: join the housing register
• GOV.UK: Benefit cap, when you're not affected
• Citizens Advice: housing

This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.

More guides

• Move-on referral checklist for support workers in Liverpool and Wirral