Supported exempt accommodation (SEA) is housing designed to help vulnerable adults live independently with the support they need.
Also known as supported exempt or specified accommodation, this type of accommodation is for people who need extra support. It may be offered to:
- people who are homeless
- people recently released from prison
- survivors of domestic abuse
- people with substance dependencies
- people with mental health issues
- refugees
If you live in supported exempt or specified accommodation and rent from a private landlord, you will not qualify for housing benefit.
Only not-for-profit landlords can be considered under the 4 categories of specified accommodation:
- exempt accommodation
- managed properties
- refuges
- local authority hostels
Apply for specified accommodation status
Supported exempt accommodation (category 1)
To count as supported exempt accommodation, all of the following must apply:
- the accommodation is provided by an English non-metropolitan 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
Managed properties (category 2)
Supported housing where the landlord is a not-for-profit organisation and the claimant receives care, support or supervision. Managed properties are where care, support and supervision is provided by an organisation or individual other than the accommodation provider. The claimant must have entered the accommodation to get care, support and supervision.
Refuges (category 3)
Refuge accommodation for people fleeing domestic abuse, where the landlord is a not-for-profit organisation.
Local authority hostels (category 4)
Hostel accommodation provided by a local authority where the tenant receives care, support or supervision.