Glossary
Supported exempt accommodation (SEA)
Also called: SEA
In one sentence
The term the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 uses for supported housing that can be paid for by Housing Benefit above Local Housing Allowance levels.
Section 12 of the 2023 Act defines supported exempt accommodation by reference to the Housing Benefit rules. The April 2026 government response confirmed that licensing will mirror this definition, with a list of exemptions.
People in the sector often shorten it to SEA.
Related terms
Exempt accommodationSupported housing where a not-for-profit landlord or county council, or someone acting for it, provides more than minimal care, support or supervision.Licensing (supported housing)The council-run licensing regime for supported exempt accommodation planned under the 2023 Act, expected to start in 2027.National supported housing standardsStandards for the support provided in supported exempt accommodation, set under the 2023 Act and enforced through licensing.
Where it comes up
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.
- Types of supported housing in EnglandSupported housing is any housing that comes with support, care or supervision to help people live as independently as they can. The main models are hostels, shared supported houses, self-contained supported flats, Housing First, refuges, young people's schemes, supported lodgings, supported living and housing for older people. They differ in who they serve, how long people stay and who pays for the support.
- Supported accommodation for care leavers and 16 to 17 year oldsSince 28 October 2023, supported accommodation for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 or 17 in England must be registered with Ofsted. At 16 and 17, children's services pays for a care leaver's accommodation, not Housing Benefit. From 18, most care leavers can claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, and under-25s are exempt from the shared accommodation rate.