There are 2 kinds of independent living schemes in York:
Call the appropriate Housing Management Officer for each scheme to arrange an appointment.
Applicants can arrange to visit a scheme before applying. You can bring your friends and family to look at our facilities as well.
- Applying for independent living without 24 hour support
- Applying for independent living with 24 hour support
- Moving into independent living accommodation
- Other housing options
See further advice for independent living tenants.
Applying for independent living without 24 hour support
- Join the housing register - to add your name to the housing register use the Open Housing portal or contact the Housing Registrations Team
- Complete the eligibility assessment form - once your application has been processed we will send you an assessment form to check your eligibility; contact the Housing Registrations Team for help with this form
- Bid for a property - if you're eligible, we'll send you (or your nominated person) bidding details. Find out more about choosing and bidding for properties on the Open Housing portal
We also operate a downsizing incentive scheme in which the council may be able to help with moving costs. Contact your HMO for more information.
Eligibility for independent living without 24 hour support
In order to qualify for independent living, you need to meet the council home eligibility requirements.
If you have any queries about eligibility, contact the Housing Registrations Team.
Applying for independent living with 24 hour support
- Arrange a social care assessment - a social care assessment determines whether you qualify for independent living with 24 hour support. It also tells us the level of care needed, which can be low, medium or high. Contact the Customer Access and Assessment Team to arrange this
- Join the housing register - once your social care assessment has been carried out you can join the housing register using the Open Housing portal
- Wait for a property to become available - once your application has been processed, our Housing Registrations Team will confirm whether you've been accepted for independent living with extra care. You do not have to bid for independent living with extra care properties - we will let you know when a suitable place becomes available
Eligibility for independent living with 24 hour support
Independent living with 24 hour support is similar to independent living but is suitable for people who need some level of physical care; accommodation has design features and support services that facilitate and encourage self-care.
To qualify for one of our independent living with 24 hour support schemes, you should:
- be aged 60 years and over - in some cases those aged 18-60 years may be eligible if this is the most appropriate housing to meet your needs - please discuss this with your social worker
- have predominantly 'medium' or 'high' care needs
- be a resident of York
- have, or apply for, a social care assessment by Adult Social Services - this tells us how much care you will need to support you in your home
Find out about the costs of independent living and planned care costs with 24 hour support accommodation.
Moving into independent living accommodation
If your bid for an independent living property is successful, we'll arrange an appointment to show you around the property.
If you decide to move in, we will explain the process, sign all the relevant paperwork with you and give you the keys to your home. You will then become responsible for the tenancy.
You may be asked to move in at short notice, possibly 2 weeks, although we do try to give as much advance notice as possible.
When you move into your new home, you will be welcomed by the Housing Management Officer (HMO).
Keys and fobs
You will be given the keys and fobs to your new home - one for your flat, and one for the front door of the main building.
Utilities
We will advise you about arrangements for your gas and electricity supply.
Smoking
You can smoke in your own flat or in the garden, but smoking is not permitted in communal areas of the building.
Your HMO or other professionals who visit you may ask you not to smoke while they are in the property.
Rent and benefits
Our advice for independent living tenants page includes information about paying rent and other charges.
We want to ensure that you receive the benefits and credits that you are entitled to. Contact the Benefits Advice Team for information and advice on all welfare benefits and tax credits.
Household contents insurance for tenants
We recommend that all tenants get housing contents insurance.
In association with Royal and Sun Alliance, we have made it easy to insure your belongings with simple household contents insurance, which is exclusively available to our council tenants.
Other housing options
Speak to our Older Persons Housing Advisor for York about any aspect of housing options for people aged 60 and over, including:
- staying in your current home
- making your home better fit your needs
- getting support or adaptions in your own home
- moving to alternative or specialist accommodation
Also see