so anyway...being made homeless next week...any one here from council, advice pls

[mumnotarobot]

I am a single mum with a 6year old son. I live with my mum, and due to here mental health......long story she now wants us out. I am not mad at my mum, shes helped us for this long, and as i said its a long story which would help give a clearer picture of things but would prefer not to go into it.

I've tried to apply for my own council property but i havent been given enough points to bid. Which means i could be on the hosuing list forever.

Anyways today i went to the housing aid to apply for homelessness.
Im left a little cheesed off because i dont feel anyone is helping in suppporting me. Ive contacted social services because they have a legal obligation to step in and offer help, ive been told. Its been two weeks and ive been calling them, they still havent done anything.
I mean what am i suppose to do, i only recieve lone parents benefits, loooking for work at moment but things are so stressful i dont know what next move to make.

I know i can rent privately and apply for housing benefits but in order to do this would need down payments... all this is stressful dont have the money and i feel like screaming.

ps my mums decision is final and she refuses to discuss it.

Advice please
thanks
xx

[BONKERZ]

this happened to me but with no warning i was kicked out of my home by a spiteful ex and was left with nowhere to go. I went to the local housing office for my council and basically sat in reception with 2 suitcases, a travel cot and a 10 week old baby. By 4pm i had been given a room in a B&B which gave me time to find a private let and the council paid the deposit!

[mumnotarobot]

what happened from there?? So i should take my son there and wait??

[BONKERZ]

i just turned up and claimed homelessness which was true, you will have to prove that you are not homeless intentionally! your mum needs to write a letter to that affect.
I was placed in a B&B then offered a hostel till i moved up on the council list, i decided not to take the hostel as had already found a private let by then. I deliberately went for a 1 bed flat as it meant i got more points too. It took a year of renting private till they offered me a council house.

[oldraver]

I think some councils will help you with the deposit for privately renting so do ask them

[N1]

Crisis loan? Would that help you?

I had a friend who went abroad for a year and ran out of money. He came back and stayed with me for a few weeks (to get himself sorted). Every few days he was down the Job center getting this loan or that loan. I was amassed that he actually got money for the things he asked for. One day it was for food - £50, a few days it was for cloths £80 another time it was for traveling to go to interviews £40 then another clothing one £50. All in the space of 2 weeks. I suspect that he had to lie to get the money, but he got it. If they can help people like my friend, you should be able to get a loan from the benefits people just as easy.

[CarryOnUpTheLiffey]

Do you have the equivalent of a Community welfare Officer in the UK?

Somebody who will look at you as an individual and who has the discretion or authority to bend the rules to help you.

I saw my CWO and she really helped me when I first left my x, she picked up the phone and chivvied various people along and they took her call more seriously. I'd imagine that there is a similar office in the UK.

[CarryOnUpTheLiffey]

Not asking bed the rules but I mean, sit down with you and think, hmmm, what can we do, this won't work in your case, but we can do this for you..... stuff you wouldn't know about necessarily.

[newlysinglemummy]

Go to this website and call them, they can possibly help you. If not they can put you in touch with someone who can. They have helped me and are great. Also if you are on benifits it is free, you only need to send proof of benifits.

I have been in this situation and it is very stressful. There is no point in speaking to people who do not know the law. But these people do and are really helpful. They can tell you all your options.

Also some councils will have a scheme where they pay your deposite but it can still be difficult to find a landlord who will accept dss.

Good luck...

[mumnotarobot]

thanks all, im sorted. xx
I can sleep better