Private renting whilst receiving UC

[PinkBird76]

I posted this on the Property/DIY board yesterday and only received one response. Hoping I’ll receive a few more comments on the Chat board.

Name changed for this post.

Bit of a backstory, I was homeless in 2020 whilst pregnant and instead of staying in temporary accommodation long term, the council helped house me in a private property. They paid the deposit and in return, the LL was happy to accept someone who was on UC. I moved into the property in 2021.

Fast forward to now and due to issues with the LL and a persistent rodent problem, we have to move house soon. I now have 2 children (1&2 year old) and they both have a disability/additional needs. Despite being a carer, I just about manage to work 2 days a week and receive UC too. We receive an additional bedroom allowance because of DS’ disability which means that the LHA is covered by UC. I don’t need to top it up at all.

It is practically impossible to find a suitable property that will accept someone on UC. I have a strong reference from the current EA which highlights the fact that I’ve never been late with a rent payment and have always paid the full amount. I’ve never been in arrears. I have a bloody guarantor and that’s still not enough.

My monthly wage is about £700.
UC is around £3100.
DLA is just under £600.
Child Benefit is £160.
Their dad gives me £400 a month too.
That’s £4960 a month.

I can understand that LL’s don’t want to rely on DLA/CB/Maintenance but I don’t understand what else I need to do to show that I can pay the rent. UC will cover the whole rent and it’s still an issue.

Does anyone have any advice on what I can do/say to show that I’m a reliable tenant. Just because I’m on UC does not mean that I’m going to be an awful tenant that messes up their house. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to provide 6 months rent upfront as that would be about £10k. I’d really appreciate hearing from other single mums/parents that have rented whilst receiving UC. Thanks

@PickledPurplePickle I never said I’m struggling to save? Most of these figures have only come about in the last couple of months anyway. DC was awarded DLA last summer and then last December. I’ve never been given maintenance from when the children were born up. I only started receiving this in December

Struggling to see how you are not able to save a large amount each month

Do you have 2 disabled DC?

Scope’s latest disability price tag research shows households with a least 1 disabled person need an additional £975 per month for the same standard of living as non-disabled households. This is on top of disability benefits. Scope state if the figure was updated to account for inflation during 22/23 that would rise to £1,122. Presumably even higher now, especially for a family with 2 disabled DC.

OP’s total monthly income is £4960. If you minus rent (£1450) and childcare (£534.08) that leaves £2975.92. If you then take off DLA £600 and an extra £1,122 to account for disability related expenses that leaves £1253.92 for all other expenses. Hardly enough to save 3 or 6 months rent in a few months.

Thank you! @SearchingForSolitude, you’re always making it clear for those with non disabled children to comprehend how life is for carers. Something that people don’t even try to understand.

@PickledPurplePickle I’d be grateful if you could read the above post

So do I. But OP has 2 disabled children, her day to day life is probably far more difficult than ours and she doesn't get a break from it! Get over it.

I haven't applied because I've seen the application form, and it requires getting many people to write referrals. It makes me anxious. Moreover, I heard it's not easy to get approved.
My child is on short break pathway 2, do you know if is it usually eligible? TIA

Does your child go to school? Dk they have an ehcp or any extra help at school? Are they seeing anyone ie peadatrition. Anything like that. Are they on Any waiting list.

Op said she is reluctant to save as it will
then affect her UC

Some LL insurance does not provide cover for unemployed tenants

Yes,
No EHCP (seems like DC doesn't need it).
I have asked for more extra help, but no luck; only received Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy (by TA) in school.
My DC is currently receiving OT and PT, and waiting for ST, podiatrist, and pediatrician (for ASD). My journey just began...

thank you for answering,
I am googling MRC/HRC tho.

anyway good luck with your housing issue.

it requires getting many people to write referrals

@happyfishcoco I don’t know who has told you this, but DLA doesn’t require many people to write referrals. It sounds like you have evidence to support a DLA claim. Many DC receiving short breaks will be eligible but it is not a given. Have a look at Cerebra’s guide. For you to be classed as DC’s carer, DC need to be in receipt of DLA at mid rate or high rate care.

Separately you should consider requesting an EHCNA.

you just repeated what I said?

Does you council have a list of landlords that rent at social housing rates?
some do outside of the homeless scheme.
look on open rent for individual landlords that don’t want to go through an estate agent as that seems to be your biggest barrier.
some estate agents are overly rigid but some landlords actually prefer those on UC as the rent is guaranteed.

Are you sure there's not a speech therapist that visits the school. It would be unusual for the TA to do it . Unless they are qualified of course. Either way you could ask for a report from the people you mention above.

Did your DC see anyone in order for them to go onto the waiting list for asd ?

https://www.openrent.co.uk/

My husband and I both privately rent and we are both working on less than 3k p/m so don't know why you'd have a problem.
But can't you buy on that income?

My son used to see a speech therapist oncea month at school but with the TA who would then carry out the suggested exercises with him daily so it is possible that a TA would be tasked with such therapies.

Yeah so your son was seeing an actual speech therapist once a month. It's just that the TA is doing the recommended exercises with him. But its still extra thing the poster can put on the form

OP - has your child received a formal diagnosis of a condition/conditions? If so you really should be able to push for an EHCP.

EHCPs are based on needs, not diagnosis.

@SearchingForSolitude I'm a SEN specialist teacher so I know that but I'm saying if her child does have a diagnosis they should also have an EHCP.
I think OP said no EHCP.
With the horrific funding crisis in education unfortunately just having "needs" isn't enough to get one. Not for one second saying that it right - it absolutely isn't - but a formal diagnosis gives the OP more power to argue that one absolutely should be in place.

I'm saying if her child does have a diagnosis they should also have an EHCP.

As a SEN specialist teacher you will also know this is not correct, not all with a diagnosis will meet the legal threshold for an EHCP.

A diagnosis is absolutely not required in order to get a EHCP. It is a myth perpetuated by some LAs and some schools. The legal threshold for an EHCP is set in law. Having a diagnosis is not required. LAs who state this are acting unlawfully and parents can challenge them via SENDIST.

However, if you read OP’s posts she says they are in the EHCP process.

@SearchingForSolitude Again, you've misunderstood. I am saying a formal diagnosis gives her more clout in the process; another "string to her bow" if you will.

No, I didn’t misunderstand your post. It is there in black and white. You posted “I'm saying if her child does have a diagnosis they should also have an EHCP.”

@SearchingForSolitude Apologies if you're being pedantic; let's add "in addition to their needs" which OP says they have.