Applying for Sheltered Housing
If you decide to apply, your application will be given every consideration. Since April 2008 applicants interested in sheltered housing now bid for this type of accommodation under Choice Based Lettings. However, this may not happen quickly, our community alarm service, Careline, may bring peace of mind to you and your family in the mean time.
Who qualifies for sheltered housing?
An applicant for sheltered housing (and their partner if they have one) must normally:
- be aged 60 or over, and retired from their lifetime employment; or
- be aged 55 or over and have a disability; or
- be aged 55 or over and have a mental health problem.
They must also:
- need the security of an alarm system and the assistance of the sheltered housing officer (warden) and
- be able to care for themselves with the help of community care services (such as home help or meals-on-wheels) and
- not require a high level of nursing care and domiciliary services.
A support needs assessment will take place to ensure clients requesting sheltered housing meet the eligibility requirements. With the exception of Lambeth Council tenants, a separate assessment will also take place to determine eligibility for social housing i.e. council or housing association accommodation etc.
Existing Lambeth Council tenants are excluded from the additional assessment to determine eligibility for social housing. However, Lambeth Council tenants should register for a transfer with their local area office before applying for sheltered housing. Application forms to join the transfer list are available from the local area housing office, on line or from the Support Needs Assessment and Placement Team (SNAP) on 020 7926 4407 upon request.
Note: Applications for nomination to special sheltered accommodation (extra care sheltered housing) for frail older people are assessed in conjunction with Lambeth Adults’ and Community Services (ACS). Please contact the ACS caller centre on 020 7926 5555 for further information.
Who do you contact?
To apply for sheltered housing, contact:
- Your local housing office.
- The Support Needs Assessment and Placement Team (SNAP) on 020 7926 4407.
- Your doctor, home help or social worker.
What will we do about your application?
An assessment officer may visit you in your home or complete a telephone assessment to get more details about your needs and circumstances. This is also your chance to ask more detailed questions about sheltered housing. If you are accepted, you will need to bid for a property under Choice Based Lettings. If you accept the property after viewing, you sign up for the property in the normal way.