Who can get a Setting up Home Allowance?
If you are a Former Relevant young person, you will be eligible for a Setting up Home Allowance (SUHA).
The allowance helps you buy the essential items you need when moving into your first home and supports you to create a safe, comfortable place to live.
You may receive:
- up to £3,000 if you turned 18 on or after April 2023
- up to £2,000 if you turned 18 before April 2023
- up to £1,500 if you are moving into a joint tenancy
What can I use my allowance for?
You can use your allowance to buy items for your new home, including:
- white goods such as a washing machine, fridge or cooker
- furniture such as a bed, sofa, wardrobe or dining table
- soft furnishings such as curtains, cushions and rugs
- home accessories such as lamps and pictures
- decorating materials such as paint and wallpaper
- garden equipment where needed
If you are a parent, we will also consider essential items for your child.
Additional support
A TV license is a legal permission to install, download or watch live TV so it’s really important that you have a TV license, we will support you to pay for this for your first year.
We also recommend you consider the following from setting up home allowance:
- a Ring doorbell to help improve safety and security
- an air fryer to support independent living and cooking at home
What can't I use the allowance for?
The Setting up Home Allowance cannot be used for:
- rent
- gas bills
- electricity bills
- water bills
- other day-to-day living costs
How do I access my allowance?
Speak to your Personal Adviser about what you need for your new home. They will help you plan your purchases and create a budget. Your PA will provide a budget code for your purchases.
You choose the items you would like to buy, we then order and pay for the items on your behalf. The items are delivered directly to your home.
We do not provide the allowance as a cash payment.
Making the most of your allowance
It is important to use your allowance carefully so that you have everything you need to live independently. Your Personal Adviser can help you prioritise essential items and make the best use of your budget.
You can also use our Setting up Home Guide to help plan your purchases.
Retail discounts
Some retailers may offer discounts for care leavers.
For example, Currys currently offers a 10% discount on some purchases. Your Personal Adviser can discuss any available discounts when helping you order items.