To think I won't survive on £48 pcm !

[Thegardenismine]

Long story short I've just become single 😀I've many a thread on here under a couple of user names over the last few years and you've helped me get through a really bad period with H. Thank you.

I was actually preparing to leave as the control and EA was getting so much worse. I need to do the Freedom Program. My plan was to attend the council as homeless.

But !!! He left on Sunday saying he was fed up went depression and I was an embarrassment. He's moved in with his Plan B.

So I applied for universal credit etc and met with a really helpful person at the job centre. It seems I'm entitled to £848 a month. But that includes my rent . Great except my rent is £800 pcm.

What do I do ? If I can't pay my rent I'll be intentionally homeless I expect so they won't help me ?

What are my options. My GP has said I'm unfit for work. Thanks to the H I've no family support. I'm not sure which way to turn. £48 won't cover the water gas electric etc.

I was so relieved when he left but now it's a hot mess !!

You need to downsize, sorry. That is your 'option'.

No, because that's based on how many bedrooms you need. Unless you need a live in carer you are only entitled to one.

You can’t survive on £48 a month so your only option is to move somewhere cheaper. You’ve said you can’t share, so you may have to move to a different part of the country where rent is cheaper.

I believe the whole point of UC is so that you are better off working than not working. Even if you are unfit to work, that is still the case I'm afraid. I would definitely check entitledto and talk to Citizens Advice and see what they suggest?

I'll ask again- did you work prior to all this happening? if not, how were you supported?
Do you have a chronic mental health illness?
Or have you been "signed off" due to you being temporarily emotionally distressed due to this event?
stating GP says you are not fit for work is a bit vague, and the answers can provide different advice for you.

Would your adult children be able to provide assistance?

If you’re near retirement age have a look at over 55s housing. It’s social housing and in low demand so not usually hard to find a flat. Secure too.

Well done!

OP - contact your local housing authority and apply for housing help. Make sure you mention the domestic abuse as it might mean they are more helpful especially if there is a risk he could come back.

Tell them you need to feel safe.

Whilst its likely that your change of circumstance means you will have to leave your current home you might end up with a secure tenancy with the housing association.

OP under the bedroom tax rules, a single person in a 2 bedroom house is penalised. I am sorry you are having to go through this. But the only way you can survive if you can't work, is to move. So sorry, single people get screwed under benefit rules.

@happyjack12
my H supported me . Financial wise.

My health issues came about after a trauma three years ago before that I had a very responsible job.
I don't want to go into detail here but there are triggers that can occur in every day life that start a spiral downward for me. I can be fine for days then something is seen or heard and I can't function.

also, have you friends to speak to/ social circle? now is not the time to seclude yourself. keep in touch with people.
this is your chance for a happier life, and yes, you will need to make changes, but for the good!

Just to take a moment and say a huge thank you for all your replies.

I don't feel so alone.

Is your H on the tenancy agreement?

Is there any work you can do? Because it seems you really only have two options: move so that you cut your rent significantly or work.

Sheltered housing might be an option?

@happyjack12 sadly part of the EA meant I've been isolated from people.

you are unlikely to get PIP because that is based on what help you need from other people to do various things.
However you SHOULD qualify for ESA which is emplyment support allowance, especially if the doctor has said that you are unfit to work - I know a friend of mine had a breakdown and was effectively signed off for a year until she felt better.
That may give you an enhanced rate on the housing front but Im not sure of the rules, but should 'up' your weekly amount and take the pressure off them harassing you to jump through the job hunting loops.

Yes you can take in a lodger, in fact the govnt was recommending it.

Earned income wont be reduced £1 for £1 so yes, there will be a certain amount you can earn before they reduce UC but after that it will be a sliding scale. moot point anyway if you cant work.

The rent situation is going to be ongoing, as they have the bedroom tax situation for pensioners too now,

A lodger would be the best option all round, or hosting students or, if you place is desirable and in a much needed area you could Air BnB - I stayed in a wonderful one when I needed to go to a conference, was like a B&B in someones home but you made your own breakfast.

Going onto martin lewis moneysavingexpert forum as there is alot of advice for increasing your income and ideas you could do with the spare room.

oh am sorry to hear that. are you seeking support to deal with the trauma / triggers?
I do hope you have some support in real life, so to speak, as well as here

You need to move into a cheaper one bedroom property. You don't need a two bedroom property.

H is on the tenant agreement.

The suggestion about over 55 social housing is a good one. These are normally 1 bedroom, so you will not be penalised benefit wise for having 2 bedrooms.

The council May be able to support you to downsize and pay discretionary housing benefit while they do so (basically the short fall). I know they don't have a massive budget for this though, so you may need to fight quite hard.

Most people with mental health problems do not get PIP but are still eligible for out of work benefits (ESA or equivalent). PIP has different eligibility criteria than fitness to work so having one doesn't necessarily mean you have the other, or vice versa. Worth applying but don't pin all your hopes on it.

That’s probably one of the reasons why- there will be a deduction as your H will be legally liable for half the rent. Can your landlord take him off the tenancy agreement? That’ll increase your rent slightly but it depends on what the max is for Local housing allowance in your area- lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/ Check it on here with your postcode

NettleTea OP is in private rented. Tenancy agreements normally mean you can not sub let.

@happyjack12 part of the abuse was to isolate, so I actually do not have any other support. Once I'm sorted a bit I shall try to make amends with family and get in touch.