Preparing for adulthood (PfA)

The council is committed to supporting all residents to live as independently as they can and for young people, this means developing life skills that will allow them to work towards living where and with whom they choose. This will form part of the young person's support plan, identifying any barriers and helping to resolve issues as they arise.

Housing

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should have the opportunity to choose where and how they live as they transition to adulthood. The Transition Team focuses on bridging the gap between existing housing support options and the individual needs of young people with SEND as they move into adult life, and offer the following support.

Personalised housing planning

• Working closely with the young person, their family and professionals to create a tailored housing transition plan.
• Identifying future needs and ensuring it aligns with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP).

Navigating housing systems

• Assisting with applications for social housing or accessing private rental properties.
• Offering step-by-step support throughout your application.
• Providing guidance on independent living skills, such as maintaining tenancy agreements and accessing financial support.

Advocacy

• Acting as an advocate for young people in housing discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and preferences respected.
• Addressing barriers like accessibility or discrimination in housing applications.

Future planning

• Helping families and individuals understand evolving needs over time and explore housing options for the long term.
• Liaising with health, social care and education professionals to create a holistic approach to housing and independent living.

For support, information and guidance please contact the Transitions Team.

Additionally, you can find out more about the help available to Find somewhere to live – help for young people with SEND in Hammersmith & Fulham.

For support, information and guidance please contact the Transitions Team on 020 8753 2080 or youngpeopleintransition@lbhf.gov.uk

Money, welfare benefits, and funding adult care

At 16 Young people can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit if eligible.

• Universal Credit: Some young people have the option of claiming Universal Credit in their own right as a young disabled adult. Normally, you need to be at least 18 years old to claim Universal Credit, though some 16- and 17-year-olds can also claim. Further information is available here: Universal Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK.
• Personal Independence Payment ('PIP'): This might apply for young people previously receiving Disability Living Allowance ('DLA'), as well as those applying for the first time as their needs have changed as they have gotten older. More information can be found here: Benefits at 16 - Contact.org.uk.

Welfare Benefits Service

To support in understanding what benefits a young person may be entitled to and how to apply for these, the Welfare Benefits Service providers free advice and assistance for all disabled residents and their carers who live and work in the borough. The service is for all ages, including parents and carers of disabled children and young people, and disabled adults or carers of disabled adults. More information is available here: Welfare Benefits Service - AOD.org.uk.

Managing money

If at 16 years old a young person has difficulty in managing their money, a capacity assessment under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 can be undertaken to see whether they have capacity to manage their money, and if not, whether any education, training and/ or support can be provided to help them manage their money. Depending upon the outcome of the assessment and the young person's financial circumstances, arrangements can be made for the young person to have an appointee to manage their money, or for a Court of Protection Deputy for property and affairs to be appointed.

For young people who might need support to manage money, an 'Appointee' can be agreed. An appointee is someone who knows the young person well, like a family member or carer who can help with managing money. They can make an application to the Department of Work and Pensions ('DWP') to be an appointee. You can find out more about this using the following link: Become an appointee for someone claiming benefits - GOV.UK.

Lasting power of attorney

The law around decision making changes when a young person turns 18. If a young person needs someone else to support and/or manage decisions (including financial decisions such as setting up a bank account and signing a tenancy), this needs to be formally agreed through the Court of Protection. The Transitions Team will be able to provide support through this process and can read more about it here: Lasting power of attorney - GOV.UK

Student benefits and grants

Depending upon the young person and family's circumstances, there are various benefits and grants available for young people as they move into further education. More info: Courses and learning for young people.

Independent travel

Being able to access public transport can help young people to make their own choices about how they live and what they want to achieve. Travel training helps young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) gain confidence to travel independently. Find out more about Independent travel training.