Paying for sheltered housing

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Find out more about help that you may be able to get to pay your accommodation costs if you are staying in sheltered housing.

Renting

If you rent your sheltered home you will have to pay rent to stay there. If you have a low income you may be entitled to housing benefit to help you pay your rent.

Buying

If you currently own your own home you may wish to buy a sheltered home as home owners are usually not given priority on waiting lists to rent sheltered housing from the council or a housing association. In some cases, you may be able to get help to pay the interest on your mortgage.

Service charge

Whether you buy or rent your sheltered home, you will probably have a service charge to cover the costs of the alarm system, the warden, building repair and maintenance, gardening, etc.

You may be able to get your service charge paid by Supporting People. This is a benefit to help people pay for support in their home.

If it is not paid for under supporting people or housing benefit, you may be able to get help from pension credit.

Additional care

If you require additional care such as meals on wheels, or help to wash or get in and out of bed, you may be entitled to care at home and help to pay for your care at home.