Housing

[BabyBrindley]

Hi, I need some advice on housing. So I gave up my rented flat to care for my Mum last year, when my Mum sadly passed in February I had to give the house back to the council. I went back to work full time, and moved in with my brother in the next district. I’ve since fallen pregnant with my exes baby but we have separated and the dad wants no involvement. I’m still getting back on track with money after working part time during my mums illness and being single I think I’m going to struggle getting everything on my own and affording a down payment on private rent. If I applied for housing with the council would I be accepted? As I work full time and I’m currently living with my brother and girlfriend. As well as this I’m confused about any help I’d be entitled to in regards to benefits? I know I’m working full time but my money will be reduced while on maternity, I’ll be on my own and I’m not sure how you go about affording rent on half a salary? I know it’s not an ideal situation to be in but this little ones really saved me from the brink and I know I can make it work I just need a little help and guidance. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you

You’ll have to go on a very long waiting list for social housing along with plenty of others in the same (or worse) situation. In the meantime you’ll have to go into a hostel or private rent with housing benefit helping to pay the rent. Having a baby no longer guarantees a quick placement

@QueenOfWinterfell ah ok thank you! so you still get help in private rent? I’m guessing some landlords would have restrictions about taking someone on housing benefit.

Yes, unfortunately, a lot of landlords do discriminate against HB Tennants but not all do. If you can get a guarantor or pay a larger deposit that may give you more options. You’ll get child tax credits and working tax credits so you may not need to claim HB as you’re working full time

1)You can either find your own privately rented property and apply for housing costs through Universal Credit. What you will be awarded will depend on your household income and what rate the local authourity will pay towards your rent.

You will only be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate if it is just you and your baby. You can search for what your local authority will pay up to. (you wont be entitled to all of it if you have earnings)

If you're under 35 and claiming as a single person, you can usually only get the shared accommodation rate even if you don't share your home with others.

lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

2. You can apply to the housing register- again your circumstances will determine whether you are eligible apply and which banding you are in. You can google allocations policy- (your local authority) to see what the criteria for each banding is. If you are considered a homeless household(see below) then most authorities have a priority banding for this.

3. You can make a homeless application to the local authority as you are legally homeless as you are sofa surfing.

You will be given interim accommodation as you are priority need due to your pregnancy - (this could be a hostel) while they make enquiries into your homelssness application or you can stay where you are whilst they continue to assess your homeless application.

They will then look at your local connection and wheher you are intentionally homeless.

If you have a local connection and not found intentionally homeless they will have the main duty to house you and then you will be placed in temporary accommodation until a permanent property is found.

Depending on your area this could be for weeks/months or if in London it could take years. It wont necessarily be social housing- it could be a room in a privately rented property and it could be out of the area.
Good luck