Service User Information

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Supporting People is a Government scheme that started in April 2003.  It aims to help vulnerable people so that they can live more independently in the community.

Supporting People services provide housing-related support which can include support with some or all of the following: setting up a hme, developing life and domestic skills, managing finances and benefit claims, access to other services and community organisations,establishing safety and security, support with a range of other housing-related matters to help someone live independently.  Services are based on either providing short or long term support which can be provided over differing periods of time, ranging from months to a lifetime.

Supporting People services cannot provide support with personal care such as washing, dressing or cooking.

Supporting People services are for vulnerable people some of which are:

• older people needing support
• people with physical, sensory or learning difficulties
• people living with HIV
• people with mental health needs
• young people at risk
• teenage parents
• people leaving care
• ex-offenders and people at risk of offending and improsonment
• people who misuse drugs or alcohol
• people fleeing domestic violence
• homeless people in need of support
• regugees
• travellers

It is dependant upon your individual needs.  You may need to live in a particular scheme to get the support, or you may get the support you need in your own home.

Subject to each Service's eligibility criteria, the following agencies can assist in finding a support service for somone with a support need:

• Housing Departments
• Social Services Departments
• Health
• Probation
• Voluntary Organsations
• Housing Associations
• Self Referrals

If you receive Housing Benefit you will not have to pay towards your support costs.  If you are not entitled to Housing Benefit and are on a low income, you may still qualify for help with some of all of the cost of the support by completing a Financial Assessment Form.

You can get advice and application forms by telephone, in person or online.  You will need to submit the completed application form along with the following: household income, savings, proof of identity, tenancy agreement and proof of rent paid.  Only original documents are accepted and if you do not have the original documents to hand at the time of submitting the application form, then you still have four weeks to provide the outstanding documents.  The Housing Benefit is then calculated and the outcome is advised to you within 14 days of all the documentation being received.  

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefits Customer Services telephone number is 020 854 5198.or email: hsngben@rbk.kingston.gov.uk