Retirement Housing FAQ's
- What is retirement housing?
- Who is eligible for retirement housing?
- Where do you have properties?
- How much does it cost and how do I pay?
- How do I apply or find out more?
The aim of retirement housing is to provide an independent home designed to ensure that you feel safe and secure, with extra support available if you need it. Retirement housing should not be confused with residential care, where independence is limited.
The accommodation can be flats or bungalows and the properties usually form part of a specific development and are linked to a 24 hour emergency alarm service for your security and peace of mind. Some schemes have a resident manager who is there to provide help and support and to respond to calls via the alarm system.
Who is eligible for retirement housing?
To be eligible for retirement housing you don’t need to be retired! Many people over 60 still work but prefer the security of living in a retirement scheme with people their own age.
Applicants must normally be 60 years of age (in the case of couples, one partner should have reached 60). However, in certain circumstances, we can consider applicants for retirement housing under the age of 60, e.g. someone who is registered disabled and is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
We have around 2,500 retirement properties for rent right across the North West, North East and Central regions of the UK. To search for where we might have a property to suit you, click here.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
Tenants pay rent and a service charge. The service charge often covers items like heating, hot water and a 24 hour emergency alarm service, but individual schemes do vary. The rent you pay covers things like the cost of your flat or bungalow, communal facilities and repairs for example.
If you pay rent and are on a low income, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit is designed to help you pay your rent, including any service charges and is paid by your local authority.
To find out if you are eligible for help with rent charges, contact your local authority – you can find the address and telephone number in the business section of the phone book.
How do I apply or find out more?
There are several easy ways to register for housing with us:
By Telephone
Customer Services
(Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm)
0845 6041095
Our Customer Service Operators are specially trained to give detailed information about our properties and will guide you through the process of registering with us. You will be asked a few simple questions about your housing requirements and, if we have suitable options for you, your details will be recorded on our housing register.
In Writing
You can write to us at ‘Johnnie’ Johnson Housing Trust, Astra House, Spinners Lane, Poynton, SK12 1GA. You will need to include brief details of your housing requirements, together with your age, the areas in which you wish to live and a daytime telephone number.
By Email
You can apply online by clicking here.
In Person
You can apply at our Head Office in Poynton, Local Offices or Retirement Schemes.
If you would like to know more about retirement housing or for more information on our application process, please contact our Customer Services Team. You can also request a copy of our leaflets “Applying for Housing” and "Retirement Housing" or you can download the booklets now by clicking on the links below.
Retirement Housing Information Booklet (PDF 1.42 MB)
Applying for Housing - Customer Guide (PDF 1.09 MB)
