If you support someone who is ready to move on from supported housing, a hostel, temporary accommodation, prison or hospital, a good referral saves weeks. Use this checklist before you refer a client to any move-on provider in Liverpool or Wirral.
Consent and contact
- Get your client's consent to share their name and contact details.
- Agree the best way and time to reach them, and whether you should be on the first call.
- Do not send health details by email unless the provider has a secure way to receive them.
Benefits and money
- Confirm which benefits your client gets: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, PIP, DLA, ESA or Carer's Allowance.
- Check for any benefit cap, sanctions or deductions that could affect the rent.
- Note any rent arrears from previous tenancies, because these can affect some applications.
- Ask whether a managed payment to the landlord would help.
Documents
- Photo ID or other accepted ID
- National Insurance number
- Latest Universal Credit statement and benefit award letters
- A short reference from you or the current provider
Readiness and risk
- Is your client ready for a shared house, or do they need a self-contained flat?
- Are there areas they need to avoid, or areas they need to stay near for family, treatment or work?
- Is there any information the provider needs to keep your client and other residents safe? Share it on the phone, with consent.
Support after the move
- Will your client keep floating support, a care package or a probation officer after they move?
- Who will help them in the first two weeks with Universal Credit, the GP and bills?
Use several routes
Register your client with Property Pool Plus if they qualify, and with two or three move-on providers. Waiting on one route is the most common reason moves stall.
Referring to Next Step Rooms
We let furnished rooms in supported shared houses with all bills included, for adults on Universal Credit who also get PIP or another extra benefit. We call back within 1 hour and our housing partner confirms eligibility before a viewing. See how to refer a client.
Questions people ask
Can I refer someone who is still in prison or hospital?
Yes. Tell us the expected release or discharge date so we can plan a room and a viewing or video call around it.
Do you need a full referral form?
No. Fill in our two-minute registration form with your client, or send us a short message with your contact details and the area wanted.
Can my client view a room before agreeing?
Yes. We always arrange a viewing before anyone signs an agreement.
Sources and official help
- Property Pool Plus housing register
- Wirral Council: housing
- Liverpool City Council: housing
- GOV.UK: Universal Credit managed payments to landlords
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.