Guide
What is transitional housing?
A plain-English guide to transitional housing: what it is, who it is for, what it costs and how to apply.
In short
A settled home, with coaching built in
Transitional housing is a stable, furnished home, usually a room in a shared house or a self-contained flat, with practical weekly coaching to help you keep your tenancy.
It is for people who need somewhere settled to live while other parts of life come together, for example after supported housing, a hostel, temporary accommodation, a hospital stay or prison.
With Transitional Housing there is no time limit. You can stay for as long as you need, and any future move happens when you are ready.
Who it is for
People who need a stable, long-term home
- Adults moving on from supported housing or a hostel
- People living in temporary accommodation who need somewhere settled
- People leaving hospital or prison who need a home to go to
- People on Universal Credit, PIP or ESA
- People working part time alongside Universal Credit
How it compares
Transitional housing, supported housing and temporary accommodation
Temporary accommodation
Often arranged at short notice, such as bed and breakfast or nightly-paid rooms. It provides a roof, but rarely the stability people need to settle.
Supported housing
Housing with a higher level of support on site, often for a set period, for people who need more help day to day.
Transitional housing
A settled, furnished home with lighter weekly coaching, a named Housing Officer and no fixed end date.
Costs
What does it cost?
Rent and the main service charges are normally covered by Universal Credit.
You pay a small personal charge each week, shown on every listing, which covers heating, lighting and water for your room. We explain every charge before you sign anything.
Read more about renting a room on Universal Credit and benefits.
Ready to find a home?
Browse properties you can apply for now, apply for yourself or ask someone who works with you to refer you.