I just need help

[Candyss]

please dont look down on me for this, circumstances can change in the blink of an eye.

I work an okay job, earning around 25000 salary and my partner is self employed earning around 27000. we have 2 young children, the youngest of which has chronic lung disease and is on home oxygen.

I really cannot see how I am going to be able to return to full time work, if at all. we are back in hospital for the second time in 2 weeks due to breathing problems as he has caught a cold.

I honestly cannot afford private rent if I cant work. universal credits has said my partner will need to work to make up the short fall in the next few months but he alresdy works every day under the sun.

will we get housing priority? it is making me feel sick with stress that we wont be able to afford to keep a roof over our children's heads.

I don’t know the answer sorry but it may be worth speaking to Citizens Advice Bureau as they can help you check you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.

Are you entitled to DLA to support your child?

Apply for DLA if you don’t already get it...then you will also get the disabled child element of UC....if you quit work you will be eligible for Carers allowance....ask your local authority for a carers assessment.....I got one when I was caring for someone.....and even though I work full time and was not eligible for carers allowance I still got £500 a year bonus payment.

Are you still in hospital? If so speak to your consultant or one of the nurses, they will likely have dealt with helping parents in these situations. Your consultant can usually write a supporting letter for housing if it did end up in that situation, they can usually signpost you to local organisations that can help with applying for grants/benefits etc. If you feel you would benefit from it, they can also do a CAF (common assessment framework) form to send to social care to pinpoint what help you need and what you are entitled to, and ensure you are given the help you need.

Sounds like some good advice already and I have nothing helpful to add regarding that but if anyone ever looks down on you for your circumstances they should be ashamed of themselves.
Wishing you and your little ones all the best, 😀

No judgement from me at at all, it sounds tough.
Can I ask why your H is self employed? Is there an option for more stable or better paid employment for him?
I know some people prefer to be SE (I did for a long time) but if you can’t work can he increase his earnings? It just seems wrong that he works so many hours for so little pay

You may be able to get some specific advice by posting on the Special Needs Board, maybe call your thread something like “Child with chronic illness, how to manage financially” as there will be many MNers in a similar position.

The Shelter Advice line might be able to advise on housing and whether you can get priority. I imagine it is very important that you are not forced into renting somewhere damp.

How old is your younger child?

we have been rejected for housing as "affordability is not a criteria"

You should be OP. But as others have pointed out you need a professional such as a GP, health visitor or social worker, or a medical professional writing to the council as part of your housing application saying that you're needing support & should be a housing priority. I used to work as a social worker & did this loads of times for families, it will certainly help bump you up the list. And you do deserve it

@Candyss you need to reapply, explain that the need is that your ds needs additional support & your housing situation is unstable, financial issues are only part of the picture.
Find a housing solicitor or contact Shelter, you don't have to be homeless to use their service & they are very helpful - explain that you are worried about your housing situation due to the ongoing care needs of your DS you can't no longer affordable the rent & wouldn't like to be considered for social housing but that you're local authority has turned you down. Al's look on your local housing website & establish what the criteria is for registration on the list. I think that may you need to research a bit before you appeal or reapply. Don't give up

*would like to !