Before moving into your own flat or house, you have to work out whether you'll be able to afford it. You'll have to pay bills for:

  • either your rent or mortgage repayments
  • Council Tax
  • electricity and heating
  • water
  • phone
  • internet
  • weekly food shop
  • TV subscription.

To pay for your bills, you can pay with:

  • wages from your job
  • housing benefit
  • income support
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independent Payment (PIP).

You may also need to buy for your home including your:

  • bedroom (bedding, duvets and pillows)
  • kitchen (kettles, microwaves, knives and forks, pots and pans)
  • living room (sofa, chairs and a TV)

Find out more about money management and what benefits are available to you.