We will never get a house....

[Glitter99x]

I posted this in property thinking that would be the right place but it is getting removed, so I am now posting here in chat.

Long story short, dad brother and I live in a house we can’t afford the rent on. I won’t say why but it is due to a tragic reason as to why we are financially struggling. My grandfather has stepped in and helped. We are on the housing list in Somerset. We are on gold band for many months were on silver when really should of been on gold but anyway. Today we have found out we can’t be considered for yarlington which is the main housing provider in our area due to rent arrears. How are we ever going to get a house? Surely all of them will have the same reasoning. I can see us having bailiffs then ending on the street. I can’t see us ever getting anywhere.

A lot of social landlords will discount you if you still have outstanding rent arrears, yes. How much do you owe? Do any of you work? Could you pick up more hours if so?

@ComtesseDeSpair I don’t know how much it is but I’m pretty sure quite a lot. I could pick up more hours however I struggle myself so I’m not really a person to ask.

Find out the amount you owe, set up a repayment plan. If you consistently show regular payments it would help. Are the arrears current or from previous accomadation? Are you paying the rent at the moment?

If there's extenuating circumstances as to why your family finances changed suddenly you could email the housing provider to explain why. Are finances likely to improve soon?

@HUZZAH212 there is no way we can afford to. We can’t even pay rent.

If you can't pay the rent, are you expecting someone to give you a house rent free?

Have you had benefits assessment for housing benefit/UC?

Glitter99 I am so sorry that you have found yourself in this dreadful situation.

Its not clear from your post, how you've been paying the rent up to now. If you are on housing benefit and you're not already receiving it, I strongly suggest that you contact your local council, explain your siutuation and ask if they can award you discretionary housing benefit. This is a payment councils will consider in certain situations to help avoid homelessness. It may not cover your full rent but could help going forward.

I hope that something comes up to help you.

Glitter, I can tell how demoralised you are but cannot help wondering why you cannot pay rent between the three of you? It might help if you confided a bit more about how you got into this state, you're anonymous on here so can say anything.

It would be a good start if you know what you owe and what your current rent is.
At least then you’d know what you are aiming at.

My brother is agoraphobic very mentally ill. Dad is on universal credit. I am on a zero hour contract. I don’t know how much rent we pay. All I know is my grandfather has helped. We are well and truly up the creek with no paddle.

Basically marriage breakdown, mum was main earner but during the breakdown she got very mentally unwell. Lots of attempts, lots of arguments, very frightening. Hence why no money.

Not only that but my mother asks me for money which I give her but have stared asking for it back. Today she said she paid it back (£20) with a sad emoji. And acts like it’s my fault she can’t afford food etc. Making me feel even worse. I can’t cope I’ve people to talk to but I’m really fearing for all of us. I can’t tell you what I want to do.

Where is your mother living now?

Is your dad in receipt of housing benefit now? Does your brother have a social worker, CPN, psychiatrist, GP that you can get on board to support your application with housing providers? Do you have a designated housing officer to speak to?

Bye guys can’t talk about it anymore

Have you applied for PIP for your brother?

Rather than being completely overwhelmed you need to make a long term plan - your father can get work, your brother needs to get help for his health needs and then get into a programme that gets him into work, you can look at careers you want to do that are stable, maybe consider if extra studying will help. It is a struggle now but in the future you can turn it around.

Do approach the council and their "prevention of homelessness" team or whatever they are called near you, they can pay off arrears sometimes when you get a house, but you need to demonstrate you are trying your best. Get a benefits review for you all to ensure there's nothing else to claim too

Does your brother get pip or ESA or universal credit? With ESA or universal credit you should be getting a little bit of housing benefit.

OK Glitter99x I'm sorry that sounds a dreadful chain of events.

You're going to have to insist on seeing all the full rental account and take trying to sort it out into your own hands. Without knowing the facts, there is very little you can do.

This is the roof over YOUR head we're talking about here. You need to take some action.

"Dad I need to know what's going on with the rent. We may be able to get some extra benefits to help. I'm happy to try to sort things out but I need to see all the paperwork and we may need to involve our local councillor or the CAB. We can't leave this or we're going to end up on the streets. I'm really worried for all of us and I want to help"

Insist. Don't take no for an answer. This has to be sorted out and you sound to be the most likely to be able to manage it given your brothers difficulties and the fact your dad has let it drift like this.

Being very harsh - you're not a little girl relying on daddy anymore. Your an adult (I assume) and you need to take your part in dealing with this.

Good luck, its tough but it has to be done

I'm trying to be empathetic but struggling. Why isn't your dad working? Why aren't you earning enough? You both need to be applying for every job under the sun.

And it's sad about the marriage breakdown, but it's also just life. I mean that gently! Rubbish does happen (my life is like a bloody soap opera), but you have to provide for yourself.

You need to get the paperwork together and like others have said ask your dad how much the rent is and to show you the paperwork. Then you need to get some proper welfare benefits advice, either through CAB or a local charity. Have a google for your area, the local MIND might also be able to sign post you where to go to acces advice and help regarding your brother.

I agree with others he may well be able to get ESA, you might be entitled to some UC top up for weeks when you don't have many hours, your dad may not be getting pension credits (depending on his age)or other benefits he is entitled to you need some expert advice.

I'd also go and see the GP you are under tremendous stress and they may be able to signpost you to someone to talk to (counselling) , be able to help you with letters you might need (regarding your brother etc) some surgeries have a benefits advisor who comes in certain days.

Good luck.

I'd go NC with your mother. You shouldn't have to bear all this on your shoulders. Any chance of re training and looking to move away as a longer term plan?

You don't all have to live together, op. If you split up you might find places individually, studios/bedsitters or the like.