Sheltered housing options

Sheltered housing is a type of home that lets you live mostly independently, but with some support.

The support can include things like having an alarm, a helper on site 24-hours a day, and organised social activities.

It's sometimes called retirement housing or supported housing.

Who can get sheltered housing

You could get sheltered housing if you're:

• aged 60 or over

• disabled

To get sheltered housing, you'll need a care assessment from your council’s social work department. Find your local social work team on mygov.scot.

Your GP, health visitor or district nurse can also ask the council for an assessment.

If you need extra help with household chores or personal care you could get:

• a type of housing called very sheltered housing, which comes with extra support

• a place in a care home

• housing support at home

Check our advice on your options if you need care or support at home.

Applying for sheltered housing

Contact your local council to ask them for a list of local sheltered housing providers.

You can also ask the council for a housing options meeting if you need help with your applications.

For more advice on your housing options, contact Age Scotland.

Renting from the council or a housing association

If you’re applying for a social tenancy with a sheltered housing provider, you’ll join a waiting list until a suitable home becomes available to you.

For help with your application, check our advice on applying for social housing.

When a suitable home becomes available you'll be offered a Scottish secure tenancy, which gives you strong rights. Check our advice on your rights in a Scottish secure tenancy.

Buying or privately renting sheltered housing

It’s also possible to buy sheltered housing or rent it privately.

If you want to buy, you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor. You can find a solicitor on the Law Society of Scotland website.

If you want to privately rent sheltered housing, search online or ask the council to help you find local providers.

Paying for sheltered housing

The rent you pay will often include service charges for maintenance and staffing. Ask each provider you apply to what is included in your rent. Sometimes these charges might be separate.

How much you pay for sheltered housing will depend on:

• your income

• how much money you have saved

• your assets, such as a home you own

If you have a low income, you could get benefits to help you pay the rent. Use the Turn2Us benefits calculator to check what benefits you're eligible for.