1.3 Identify the different people that might use social housing

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Identify the different people that might use social housing.

Social housing provides secure and affordable homes for people who need them. It is offered by local authorities, housing associations, and other not-for-profit organisations. There are many reasons people use social housing. Some are economic, some are social, and others are linked to health or family circumstances. The people who use social housing are not a single group; they come from all walks of life. In this guide, we will look at who these people are and what might bring them to need this support.

People on a Low Income

Many people who earn low wages or who have irregular work turn to social housing. Private rented homes can be too expensive or unstable for them. Social housing provides a secure tenancy at a price that matches their limited means. This group often includes:

• Single parents
• Families with children
• Individuals on minimum wage jobs
• Workers with part-time, temporary, or zero-hours jobs

These people might also rely on benefits to top up their income.

Families with Young Children

Social housing serves families, offering stability and better living conditions than might be found in the private rental sector. Families need:

• Safety and security for children
• Access to schools and other services
• A steady address for registering with doctors and dentists

Having a secure tenancy enables children to attend the same school without frequent moves.

Older People

Many older people move into social housing later in life. Reasons can include:

• Retiring and losing employment income
• Declining health and reduced mobility
• Needing properties that are adapted or easier to look after

Some social housing is designed for older residents, such as sheltered housing or schemes with wardens.

People with Disabilities

People with physical or learning disabilities are a key group using social housing. They may need:

• Wheelchair access
• Ground-floor accommodation
• Special adaptations for their home

Living in adapted houses allows a more independent life. Social housing providers often work with other agencies to make sure any special needs are met.

People Experiencing Homelessness

Some people use social housing because they have nowhere else to go. Causes of homelessness can include:

• Eviction from private rented housing
• Family breakdown
• Debt or rent arrears
• Domestic abuse
• Being released from prison with no fixed address

Social housing is often the best route out of homelessness, providing long-term solutions.

Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse affects men, women, and children from every background. Survivors often need to move quickly and safely. Social housing services sometimes provide:

• Temporary refuge or safe houses
• Priority listings for permanent homes

The support and security offered after trauma help survivors rebuild their lives.

People Leaving Care

Young people who have been looked after by their local authority often have few options when they turn 18. Moving from care into their own home is called “leaving care”. Social housing is vital for these young people. It gives them a place to start building an independent adult life. Many need extra support adjusting to living alone and learning life skills.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

People fleeing war, violence, or persecution may become social housing tenants. Once granted refugee status, they need somewhere safe and stable to live. Social housing can provide this. Challenges for this group may include:

• Language barriers
• Lack of family support
• Difficulties finding work

Refugee families may need extra help settling in to a new area and understanding tenancy rules.

People with Mental Health Needs

Some social housing tenants live with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or severe disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Stable, affordable housing is key to their well-being. Good housing reduces stress and allows easier access to community mental health services. Housing associations may work with health teams to offer extra support.

People Affected by Health Problems

Serious illness or disability can make working impossible. Loss of earnings puts pressure on paying for a private rented home. Social housing provides security to people with:

• Chronic health problems (such as COPD or arthritis)
• Serious or life-limiting illnesses (such as cancer)
• Families caring for sick children

Social landlords may adapt homes for people with health problems, for example, by installing ramps or level-access showers.

Young People and Single Adults

Not every young person stays at home with family. Some move out early due to relationship breakdown, overcrowding, or to find work. Social housing opens doors for:

• School and college leavers without family support
• Care-experienced young people
• Young adults in low-paid jobs

Single adults at risk from unstable private rented housing or “sofa surfing” may secure a social housing tenancy to gain stability.

People at Risk of Social Exclusion

Social exclusion means being shut out of mainstream society or services. Many factors increase the risk, including:

• Poor mental or physical health
• History of offending
• Learning disabilities
• Speaking English as an additional language

Social housing plays a part in tackling exclusion by providing security, support, and access to services.

Minority Ethnic Communities

Minority ethnic families and individuals might turn to social housing due to discrimination in the private rental sector or overcrowding in family homes. Language barriers or unfamiliarity with how to access housing make social housing a fairer option.

Social landlords try to support people from all communities, sometimes with translated materials or specialist staff.

People Leaving Institutions

People may leave prison, hospital, or other long-term institutions with nowhere else to go. They need a stable home to avoid becoming homeless or re-offending. Social housing agencies often work with health, justice, or social services to find safe accommodation.

This group might include:

• Prison leavers
• People discharged after long stays in hospital
• Those leaving residential care

Armed Forces Veterans

Some ex-service personnel find it hard to settle into civilian life. Problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), disability, or family breakdown can leave them homeless or living in poor housing. Social landlords may give priority to veterans, especially those who have served in recent conflicts or left the forces with injuries.

People in Temporary or Unsuitable Housing

Not everyone uses social housing right away. Some people move in from:

• Hostels or B&Bs
• Overcrowded family homes
• Unsafe or unhealthy rented properties

Social housing offers better conditions and more stability. People in temporary housing might have lost their home through eviction, separation, or natural disaster (such as fire or flood).

People Facing Financial Difficulties

People experiencing job loss, a sudden drop in income, or who are in debt may struggle to afford private rent. Mortgage repossession is another cause. Social housing provides an affordable alternative, which can prevent homelessness.

People in Rural Areas

In rural areas, work can be seasonal and housing limited or expensive. Social housing supports agricultural workers, young families moving from villages, and older residents who can no longer manage in larger homes.

Residents Needing Temporary or Supported Housing

Some people need only short-term help. They may use supported housing arrangements, where extra care or supervision is given. Examples are:

• Young mothers in mother-and-baby units
• People overcoming addiction
• People with recent mental health crises

Supported housing helps them prepare for a more independent life.

Customary and Cultural Groups

Some social housing schemes are designed to meet the needs of particular cultural or religious groups. For example, some offer spaces for large extended families or facilities for practicing faith, such as washing areas or prayer rooms.

Recognising cultural needs helps organisations deliver fair and suitable homes for everyone.

Who Decides Who Uses Social Housing?

Access to social housing does not happen automatically. There are rules called “allocation policies”. These give priority to those who need it most. Common priority groups are:

• Homeless families and individuals
• People fleeing domestic abuse
• People with disabilities or health needs
• People living in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions

Council officers or housing association staff check each person’s circumstances. They use a waiting list or points system.

Why Are There So Many Different Groups?

Housing is a basic need. Many personal and social problems can lead to someone needing help with housing. Social housing, by its nature, is meant for those who cannot secure a decent, safe, and affordable home through the private market.

People do not choose to use social housing for the same reasons. Some have faced unexpected crisis. Others have lived on the edge of poverty for years. Loss of work, separation, ill health, or abuse can happen to anyone.

Final Thoughts

In summary, people who use social housing come from a wide range of backgrounds and situations. They may be young or old, alone or in a family, born locally or recently arrived in the UK. The main thing they share is a need for safe, affordable, and secure housing that is not available through private landlords.

These groups rely on social landlords for more than just bricks and mortar. They rely on the support, guidance, and understanding of people working in the sector. By knowing who might use social housing, housing staff are better able to provide the support and respect every resident deserves.