Moving home can be expensive and difficult, especially if you have health and care needs to consider. There are ways to make it more affordable, and organisations that can help you manage the move.

Before committing to moving, think about why you want to move and whether it’s the right choice for you – see our Considering a move webpage for more information.

Also, make sure to tell your local council about your move, as it may impact your benefits. If you claim Universal Credit, there may be other benefits you qualify for. This could help you going forward in your new home. See our benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to.

Help if you have to move quickly

You may find yourself in a situation where you need to move quickly – for example, if your care needs change, or if you are being evicted from your home.

If you have to move out because your care needs suddenly increase, ask for an urgent assessment. The council may provide you with an emergency care package until a full assessment can be carried out.

If you’re struggling to find a new place to live before you have to move out, you may qualify for emergency housing. This is a short-term solution – you might be placed in a bed and breakfast or hostel while the council decides if you qualify for longer-term housing.

Remember that eviction is a legal process and takes time. To learn more about your rights as a tenant, speak to your nearest Citizens Advice. They have lots of information about your rights, and what you can do.

You can also call Shelter for support in an emergency – for example, if you’ve received an eviction notice:

  • 0808 800 4444 for England or Scotland
  • 08000 495 495 for Wales.

Help with the costs of moving

There are lots of expenses to consider when moving home, such as estate agent fees or removal costs.

Discretionary Housing Payment

If you are on a low income and receive Housing Benefit, you may be able to get financial support from your local council to help with moving costs. This is known as a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

There is no set amount for a DHP – the council decides whether to award it, for how long and how much you’ll get. DHPs can be awarded as a lump sum, or for an open-ended or a fixed period.

If you live in England or Wales and you receive Housing Benefit, you could apply for a DHP to help with moving costs. You don't have to pay back a DHP. See our factsheet Housing Benefit for more information.

If you live in Scotland, you may qualify for a DHP if you rent your home and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Visit mygov.scot for more information.

Short-Term Benefit Advances

If you’re waiting for your first payment of a benefit and you’re in urgent financial need, you can apply for a short-term benefit advance. You do not have to pay interest on this, but you will have to pay it back. If you qualify, you’ll usually get the advance the same day or the next working day.

You can ask for an advance if you have recently applied for:

  • Pension Credit
  • State Pension
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to repay the advance – some money will be taken from your benefit each week until it's paid back. Think carefully about how repayments will affect your future income.

For more information about short-term benefit advances, see our Extra help with essential costs if you’re on a low income factsheet.

Other ways your local council or government can help with moving costs

You may be able to get financial help towards your move from the government or your local council. The help you can get depends on your circumstances and where you live. Keep in mind that these schemes are not just for people who need help with moving – anyone on a low income with unexpected or emergency expenses can also apply.

  • In England, there’s the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme – for more information, contact your local council.
  • In Scotland, apply for the Scottish Welfare Fund.
  • In Wales, apply for the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

See our Extra help with essential costs if you’re on a low income factsheet for more information.

Grants and charities

There are many charities, benevolent funds and trusts that provide different types of help if you can’t get support elsewhere. However, keep in mind that some of these organisations have specific criteria for who they will help – for example, certain areas of the country, or people of particular age groups or backgrounds.

Turn2us can help you find a charity to apply to (0808 802 2000) or contact Citizens Advice:

  • 0800 144 8848 in England
  • 0800 028 1456 in Scotland
  • 0800 702 2020 in Wales.

If you’re struggling to pay your rent or mortgage

You may be unable to pay for a move because your rent is too expensive, or because of mortgage arrears. Visit our debt webpages for more information on managing your rent or mortgage costs.

If you rent, and are waiting for your new home to be adapted to meet your care needs, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit towards your rent on the new property for up to four weeks before you move in. If you are still paying rent on your old home during this time, you can get Housing Benefit on both properties for those four weeks.

Help with organising the move

Moving home is a big upheaval and might seem daunting – but you can get help.

If you are going to use a removal company, you should get two or three quotes before making a decision. Check that they offer insurance if your home insurance doesn’t cover you during a move. You should also make sure the company belongs to a professional body, such as:

As well as helping you move, removal companies may offer other services, such as packing, storing unused furniture, disposing of unwanted goods and cleaning your home. Our Moving home checklist has more information.

If you need to get rid of some things, remember:

  • some charities will collect unwanted goods
  • your council will collect large items but may charge
  • auction companies may be interested in your antiques
  • house clearance or rubbish removal companies can take away anything you can’t find a home for.

You may find it difficult letting go of some things, and for some people this can cause unmanageable clutter. See our Hoarding page for more information.

Also of interest

Also in this section

Next steps

For advice on whether moving is the right choice for you, see our Considering a move webpage or call our Helpline.

See our Moving home checklist to help you keep track of all the things you have to do.

Call our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789

By calling Independent Age's free and impartial Helpline, you can get information and advice from one of our friendly advisers, or order our free guides.

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