Specified Accommodation

Where rented accommodation has been categorised as Specified Accommodation, this allows exemptions from the rules restricting how much rent is used in the benefit calculation. This means tenants can get higher levels of benefit.

How to apply for Specified Accommodation status

Applications can only be made by the landlord or the accommodation provider or the property owner.

Any care providers on the Complex Needs DPS who are seeking to work with a housing developer / provider to develop new supported living services should ensure that they follow the process below:

• Prior engagement with commissioners at Cheshire East Council is crucial to assess the need for specific provisions.

• Please engage with us via mailto:asccomplex@cheshireeast.gov.uk for any new settings.

• We would encourage you do not proceed with developing supported living schemes until commissioner support is agreed upon.

To apply for Specified Accommodation status on agreed schemes, fill in our Specified Accommodation form.

Supported Exempt Accommodation

Supported Exempt Accommodation is the first category of Specified Accommodation.

To count as Supported Exempt Accommodation, all of the following must apply:

• the accommodation is provided by an English non-metropolitan council (such as Cheshire East Council), a housing association, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, or a registered charity
• the care, support and supervision is provided by the accommodation provider or by someone acting on behalf of the accommodation provider
• the level of care, support and supervision is more than minimal

Other types of Specified Accommodation

There are three other categories of Specified Accommodation.

Managed properties (Specified Accommodation category 2)

Managed properties are where care, support and supervision is provided by an organisation or individual other than the accommodation provider. For tenants in managed properties, we give exemptions on a short term basis. The claimant must have entered the accommodation in order to get care, support and supervision.

Refuges (Specified Accommodation category 3)

Accommodation to provide temporary housing plus care and support for people escaping domestic violence.

Hostels (Specified Accommodation category 4)

Accommodation to provide short-term housing on a temporary basis for claimants living in hostels that provide care, support and supervision.