I can’t believe it’s happened again

[Booboobooboo84]

I’m desperately trying to get myself moved out of a domestic violence refuge. I’m unable to work while here due to the rent being £300 pw so have to rely on benefits. Just saying as don’t want to dripfeed or for it to look like I’m expecting a handout. I just hope for a handup so that I can get back to work. I only intend to need to claim hb for my first month in the new flat.

My issue is I keep getting to the top of the list and the housing associations ask for 2 months rent upfront. Not a problem the council can arrange this within about 72 hours. I currently live on £56 pw after paying service charges so saving £1200 is out of my reach.

My aibu is I’m just so distraught at the fact that the housing associations only give you a day to find the money despite knowing it will take the council 72 hours. So in the last few weeks I’ve been offered 4 suitable flats (and I would snap up anything at all) but not one housing association will give the time needed to raise the 2 months. Even with the housing officers intervention. One today even sent me armed with a letter committing that the council will pay any costs but the housing association was like nope cash or nothing.

I’m going to be in this refuge forever aren’t I. I can’t move to a different area as the home office chose this one for my own safety. I’ve looked into a gofundme but can’t do anything that might identify me pubically for my own safety.

I just don’t know if I’m being ur to think it’s so so wrong

I can't believe the HA are being so intransigent with someone in your position OP. They must know that a significant proportion of people nominated for their properties will be on benefits and not be able to summon up that sort of money at a day's notice.

I work in housing support, have helped many people move on from refuges and have never encountered anything so ridiculous.

Have you applied for criminal injuries compensation? It wouldn't be quick, but could get you the money you need.

@lakielady that is in progress

@needsasockamnesty this is a three month refuge I’ve been here since late August/early September. Most people were here 8 weeks before moving on. That time is expanding rapidly with the HA change of policy. HA are run very commercially. Invite 5 people to a viewing and see who has scrabbled together the required money.

I know how it works Boo abuse resettlement is one of the things I specialise in.

interesting. I wonder if the local refuge would be able to have a cash account for situations similar to yours. just wondering if a few mners went down their local refuge and donated some cash whether they would be able to use it as a deposit loan scheme..

I’ve no idea how any of this works but hopefully something will be sorted soon. I’d be ringing around anyone who has helped you so far and ask them to help sort this situation out. Even if you have to keep repeating stuff it needs done and someone needs to figure out what to do.

Oh op, how utterly fucked up our systems are now! I can't imagine the frustration you must feel to be blocked by such idiotic intransigence by those who are meant to be helping!!

I have regular arguments with my HA about the fact that yes, HB is paid in arrears, and no, as a disabled tenant of a social landlord, I can't magic up the requested 4 weeks rent to put my account in advance as you'd prefer, unless you'd like to make the choice for me between eating and making those unrealistic payments you're demanding! So can certainly believe they are throwing such barriers in your path!

Just wish I was rich and could set up support network and to counter such thoughtless from people who just really don't seem to care although they really should! I hope you find an answer soon

Booboo how are you getting on? You fell off my ‘Threads I’m on’ list & I couldn’t find you! But I have now! Any improvements in your situation?