AIBU to feel stuck being 'homeless'?

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I recently left an abusive relationship and moved in with my parents. I have 1 dc (18 months) but now have to move out. I work part time and live in the South.

My problem is I can't find a place to rent due to low income. I can't buy as everything is unaffordable. I am not entitled to any benefits due to savings (though I can't even afford a 1 bed flat). I can't move tok far away as rely on my parents for the free childcare (she can only do a few days a week). Can't increase working hours as have to wait a year to apply for another flexible working request. Can't quit work as came back of Mat Leave and have to stay in job for a year or pay back Mat leave pay. Can't find another part time job as can't afford childcare.

How do I find a place to live for me and DC? I'm still coping with the fall out from leaving abuse but need to get my act together and find a home.

Any advice welcome!

It might be worth speaking to Shelter. There’s a requirement for local councils to support victims of domestic abuse and they should be able to advise you how to navigate this. That you’re staying with your parents might muddy the waters but I assume they could only help temporarily.

One logical approach would be to find a budget, but acceptable flat and run down your savings to meet the rent. Apply for benefits when you reach the threshold.

I second asking Shelter, though.

Oh, and put your name down for social housing if you haven't already!

Yes, I think you may well have to use your savings. For instance you could pay the rent in advance by several months - this needs a trustworthy landlord and a place you feel secure with liveable neighbours.
But do get advice as you might be eligible for some kind of help to find somewhere.

Well done on getting out of the abusive situation you and your child were in. However hard things are at the moment, don't go back!
Is there absolutely no way you can stay at your parents for a little longer- do they realise how tricky this is for you- costs of rent and all the obstacles?
Good advice re speaking with shelter and citizens advice.
I have nothing more to add only I hope you get sorted soon. Good luck

If your savings make you ineligible for benefits, you must have over £16k.

You would be expected to use this money to secure a home, then submit a claim for Universal Credit when your savings have reduced to less than £16k.

As others have said the reason you're ineligible for benefits is because it's expected that you would use your savings on housing/living costs first. Is it feasible to take on a tenancy and pay until the point your savings are under the threshold and then claim?

It's also worth getting on the local housing register though depends where you are as to how long that would take/whether it's realistic

Is there absolutely nothing that you could buy? Might be better than running down savings on rent...

Try Womens Aid. They may be able to get you a referral for social housing or deposit guarantee schemes.

Unfortunately, that's what you're going to have to do.

The alternative is that you present to the council as homeless, they have a legal obligation to help you as you have a child.

Have you applied for CMS from your ex?

@theeyeofdoe the council may provide emergency accommodation temporarily to avoid a child being on the streets, but they do an assessment to decide if you need longer term support with housing and any assessment would see the savings and say that the OP has means to pay for accommodation. At the point, and assuming theres no successful appeal, they'd end the temporary accommodation.

OP it's perfectly legitimate to use savings on housing and then apply for benefits once eligible if that's an option to you. You won't have to run them down completely, you'll still get a decent contribution if you're under 16k.

Thank you to everyone who replied.

I would be more than happy to use my savings for rent for now but unfortunately where I live the estate agents won't consider letting anyone even view a rental property until they meet the income threshold- not savings. I have asked them if I could pay some months rent in advance but as my income is so low they said no! That is why I feel stuck.

I am tempted to make a move up North so I can try and buy a flat, but then can't get the free childcare (and can't leave my job yet - see original message).

The council offered temporary emergency accommodation which was a hotel room with no cooking facilities which I rejected because I have a baby who I make healthy meals for.

Tried citizens advice - they said try social housing. Tried social housing but they said my savings would prevent any help.

Thank you to the poster who said not to go back to the abuser. I truly feel sorry for abused women who are financially tied to their abusers. I am grateful to have some savings at least.

I haven't yet, but thank you for reminding me to do this!

If you're DC is 18 months surely you get some free childcare so could get another part time job? I'd look for highly paid contracting to fill in the gaps. What's your profession?

BTW I sympathise somewhat as similar position and live in the South and house prices are so expensive may as well as be London. But there are cheaper pockets here and there.

When I rented and was not working the landlord accepted 12 months rent in advance. That 12 months may give you a breathing space. Make sure you get a 6 months break clause with payment back of 6 months rent if you happen to be in a better place and are able to move on. Best of luck with this and your new future x

I hope this isn’t a silly question OP, but why can’t you continue living with your parents?

Try spare room or private rentals, bypass the agencies

If it helps the law on flexible work requests changed in April and you now have the right to two requests a year instead of one, the requirements they have to meet to refuse your request have also become stricter. So might be worth trying to increase your hours.

I was thinking this to. Just until you get back on your feet at least

There's a charity called The Marylebone Project which helps homeless women. I don’t think they’d be able to help you directly, because of your savings, but they might be able to give you advice about how to move on.

Also Women’s Aid should be able to offer advice.

Thank you for this. I think I will try it and also bypass the agents as someone else suggested.

For those asking why I need to move, my parents have made it clear I have overstayed my welcome (though not in a direct way). They keep complaining about baby's stuff and noise. There isn't a huge amount of space here either.

Hopefully I will find something,
at least until I work off my return to work period and can find a better paying full time job.

Thanks again to everyone who replied.

You have refused the emergency accomodation that the council offered you because of lack of kitchen? I think youve been badly advised

I agree that although its not ideal, you should have accepted the hotel room as it is a step in the process towards being housed.