If you want to move house, you should plan ahead to make sure you receive the services and support you're used to when you move. Support services are often delivered differently in different places.

Social and Council Housing

If you're living in social or council housing, one way to find a council or housing association house in another area is through mutual exchange. You can also make a housing application directly to the housing association or local authority in the area you wish to move to. Priority may be given to local applicants who are in need of housing in the borough so you may have to wait a long time.

An option for people living in London and wanting to move elsewhere are the 'Lawn' and 'Seaside and Country Homes' housing mobility schemes. In order to register for the Seaside and Country Homes scheme you - or your partner, if you have one - must be at least 60 years old. There are no age restrictions for the Lawn scheme.

Disabled Facilities Grants

If the house you are moving to needs to be adapted to meet your needs, you should apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your new local council. An occupational therapist will come and do an assessment, so that you can know in advance whether you're eligible for a grant and whether the house is considered suitable for adaptation.

If your current home has already been adapted through a Disabled Facilities Grant, you may be able to take items like stair lifts or bath hoists with you when you move, if they would be suitable for your new home. Check with your local council for their particular rules about this.

Relocation grants

If you've applied for a Disabled Facilities Grant to make adaptations to your current home, and your local social services department has decided that your home is not suitable for adaptation, your local council may offer a relocation grant to help towards the cost of moving house.

Not all councils offer relocation grants. They may set their own individual maximum grant amounts and rules about who is eligible and whether you can use the grant to move out of the borough. It is best to speak to someone from social services before planning a move.

For more information on moving house if you are disabled please visit: www.direct.gov.uk