Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Local

Find conversations happening in your area in our local chat rooms.

Original poster

Council house waiting lists medical

125 replies

panda2023 · 19/02/2023 07:54

Hi. So ive been on waiting list band B for around 500 days now on medical grounds.current property has 4 flights of stairs which cause a struggle every day. Been offered a property which is going to mean i have to get 2 buses and an hour trip to get my disabled child to school , 2 buses to get home again. I am worried if i turn it down i wont get offered another. Also what happens if i move to a rented ( still cannot adapt to suit needs) but eliminates the stair issue. Will they see the need to move as less. Or am i better off staying and waiting. The thought of that kills me as its such a struggle in our current home. What to do

OP posts:
Beansontoast45 · 19/02/2023 10:05

People who work, get a mortgage and buy a house have to make sacrifices with location. Many people also have to buy do it uppers to afford to move and then pay for all the work themselves. Personally I don’t think people who are being given accommodation and having adaptions paid for them should be upset about making them.

Hebridean · 19/02/2023 10:05

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

That's a horrible thing to say. Do you think it's that easy?

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:08

Beansontoast45 · 19/02/2023 10:05

People who work, get a mortgage and buy a house have to make sacrifices with location. Many people also have to buy do it uppers to afford to move and then pay for all the work themselves. Personally I don’t think people who are being given accommodation and having adaptions paid for them should be upset about making them.

Wow. do you think i choose to have a disabled child. Do you think i wanted their dad to pass away meaning we cannot afford to buy a house. Do you think i want to live like this. !! I was mearly asking a question. As i am happy to rent but cannot adapt someone elses property. I am trying to do the right thing by both of my children. I am no begger! Ive worked my entire life. I didnt choose to be in this situation. Not everyone is out for that they can get you know

OP posts:
Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:11

LIZS · 19/02/2023 10:03

Are you currently in social housing or private rental?

I am currently renting. Have been here for years. Became a single mom just after my son's diagnosis had to stop working as their dad died. We rented this house 8 years ago. Its a 3 story but now my child is becoming to big for me to carry. I could manage one flight but not 3. We need grab rails ramps ect there is no way the landlord will allow me to do this to their house.

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:14

the other child who cannot walk because he is in mainstream with no current ehcp he isn’t entitled to transport

Being in mainstream and no EHCP doesn’t prevent DC being entitled to transport if they can’t reasonably be expected to walk to school because of their disability &/or SEN.

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:15

Beansontoast45 · 19/02/2023 10:05

People who work, get a mortgage and buy a house have to make sacrifices with location. Many people also have to buy do it uppers to afford to move and then pay for all the work themselves. Personally I don’t think people who are being given accommodation and having adaptions paid for them should be upset about making them.

Its people like this that really upset me do you have a disabled child? Do you know the endless work you have to put in, the endless appointees you have to attend. The illnesses and hospital trips. I used to have a very good job and a life that was worth living. I lost my husband to cancer and am left with two children. Please dont tie everyone in with the same bunch. I am no scrounger. I bloody graft.

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:15

Has your DC with ASD had an OT assessment of their own?

OnaBegonia · 19/02/2023 10:16

Did your housing application not have the option to choose areas? Where I am you can choose areas you wish to be housed in, do not
move to another rental as you will be classed as adequately housed and lose your medical needs points.
If the house is suitable look at how you can fit your current lifestyle
to suit, also contact your housing officer and discuss your concerns.

Merchantadventurer · 19/02/2023 10:17

You need to speak to your housing officer ASAP. Some councils will let you decline one or two offers and others won’t. You do however have to be realistic as to what alternatives are out there if you can/do decline.

A secure LA tenancy is worth its weight in gold especially when adaptations are needed. However do be aware that adaptations can be done to a privately rented home via a means tested disabled facilities grant.

OnaBegonia · 19/02/2023 10:19

@panda2023
Don't listen to the typical MN responses who have a massive issue with social housing, none of us know what's around the corner, my DC lost their dad to cancer and we've had to downsize and make changes, sadly life doesn't always go down the easy rose lined path.
Best of luck to you and your wee ones.

MumOf2workOptions · 19/02/2023 10:19

@panda2023

My friend needed to swop her council house she advertised on her areas social media and got a bungalow instead of a house that someone had allocated but they had kids and would like more space her husband had a stroke and couldn't do stairs (their kids had all moved out) so maybe try that but I wouldn't rent privately as you'll loose your banding but also private landlords may not wanted adaptable things in their properties as it makes it less appealing to other tennants if you leave

I hope you get sorted 🙏

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:20

OnaBegonia · 19/02/2023 10:19

@panda2023
Don't listen to the typical MN responses who have a massive issue with social housing, none of us know what's around the corner, my DC lost their dad to cancer and we've had to downsize and make changes, sadly life doesn't always go down the easy rose lined path.
Best of luck to you and your wee ones.

Thank you so much. Life changes in a flash. We didnt ask for this. Sorry for your loss c

OP posts:
fooyangcake · 19/02/2023 10:20

Unfortunately it sounds like there either isn't a property available to suit your needs, or others with much higher need are being prioritised above you.

Is learning to drive in the pipeline?

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:23

MumOf2workOptions · 19/02/2023 10:19

@panda2023

My friend needed to swop her council house she advertised on her areas social media and got a bungalow instead of a house that someone had allocated but they had kids and would like more space her husband had a stroke and couldn't do stairs (their kids had all moved out) so maybe try that but I wouldn't rent privately as you'll loose your banding but also private landlords may not wanted adaptable things in their properties as it makes it less appealing to other tennants if you leave

I hope you get sorted 🙏

Wow ok so i could take the property live in it and hope to swap it with someone else. I know i might wait a while but an option. Still means being to far from my mum for a while.
I feel that i should take it and take it on. Just worry my mental health will take a blow as already struggling with how hard my life has become. Thank you for your kind words x

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:25

panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:23

Wow ok so i could take the property live in it and hope to swap it with someone else. I know i might wait a while but an option. Still means being to far from my mum for a while.
I feel that i should take it and take it on. Just worry my mental health will take a blow as already struggling with how hard my life has become. Thank you for your kind words x

Show quote history

Whether you will be allowed to do this depends on what adaptations are made to the property.

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:27

fooyangcake · 19/02/2023 10:20

Unfortunately it sounds like there either isn't a property available to suit your needs, or others with much higher need are being prioritised above you.

Is learning to drive in the pipeline?

Hi. I can drive i just cant afford to buy or run one. Since loosing my husband and our youngest getting his diagnosis i had no choice to give up a very good job. My sons therapy and appointments take over my life.
I used to have a car. But even with mobility involved the down payments on vehicles now are sky high. My mom takes me to the three hospitals for his appointments at the moment but may find it harder with distance between us. My child is in a wheelchair- no canopy so rain and hoping on and off buses isnt easy. Ill figure something out.

OP posts:
badgermushrooms · 19/02/2023 10:27

The answer to your question partly depends on your council's policies. Ideally your housing officer should be able to discus your options with you. If they aren't helpful it's worth trying your local councillor. Or Citizens Advice (the nearest physical branch, not the national website/phone number).

Ignore the people telling you you should be grateful etc. You have a disabled child so you're entitled to a bit of extra help, and a decent housing department should be working with you to help you find the best available option for your family.

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:29

badgermushrooms · 19/02/2023 10:27

The answer to your question partly depends on your council's policies. Ideally your housing officer should be able to discus your options with you. If they aren't helpful it's worth trying your local councillor. Or Citizens Advice (the nearest physical branch, not the national website/phone number).

Ignore the people telling you you should be grateful etc. You have a disabled child so you're entitled to a bit of extra help, and a decent housing department should be working with you to help you find the best available option for your family.

Flowersthank you. Thats the best answer and one i needed to hear. I will contact them tomorrow. I dont wish to appear ungrateful but i need to know our options so we can all be happy.

OP posts:
Blip · 19/02/2023 10:30

Sorry OP that you are struggling with lack of suitable accommodation. The lack of housing in the UK is a disgrace.

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:34

JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:15

Has your DC with ASD had an OT assessment of their own?

He has been referred for an assessment yes. But there is a long waiting list.

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 19/02/2023 10:35

Have you contacted charities such as new life and family fund?

You can ask for the rain canopies for wheelchairs etc.

Also look again at motability and what grants you may be able to get towards deposits etc (the deposits for WAV are sky high currently Sad).

Ignore the idiots who think you shouldn't get help and pray they don't find themselves suddenly in this situation one day as they obviously wouldn't want help.

I agree with speaking to your housing officer. Look at everything you can do. Look at if local charities can fundraiser a vehicle deposit for you. Lions, rotary clubs, motorcycle clubs etc are absolutely brilliant at supporting families who've been plunged into horrendous situations they need help to get out of.

JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:37

The OT assessment from the LA’s aids and adaptations service shouldn’t have too long a waiting list (at least in comparison to waiting list for diagnosis and other OT assessments) so chase that as it will be them that will advise and authorise needing a bath.

Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:38

OnaBegonia · 19/02/2023 10:16

Did your housing application not have the option to choose areas? Where I am you can choose areas you wish to be housed in, do not
move to another rental as you will be classed as adequately housed and lose your medical needs points.
If the house is suitable look at how you can fit your current lifestyle
to suit, also contact your housing officer and discuss your concerns.

Great thank you. Atleast i know now i cannot move.
Even though we still need adaptions you would think we wouldn't lose it. Im just trying to make our lives a little easier while we wait.
Yes i chose my areas and this is the furthest postcode within that area. Catch 22 really but it seems i am ungrateful and should just accept what in-am given - i love how people think these Free "not free " houses are so luxurious. They are horrendous and require tones of money ( not the councils pocket ) the tenants pocket ! Money we dont have and to spend on a house you don't really want to be in because it is so far away from any help or ease of life.

OP posts:
Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:42

itsgettingweird · 19/02/2023 10:35

Have you contacted charities such as new life and family fund?

You can ask for the rain canopies for wheelchairs etc.

Also look again at motability and what grants you may be able to get towards deposits etc (the deposits for WAV are sky high currently Sad).

Ignore the idiots who think you shouldn't get help and pray they don't find themselves suddenly in this situation one day as they obviously wouldn't want help.

I agree with speaking to your housing officer. Look at everything you can do. Look at if local charities can fundraiser a vehicle deposit for you. Lions, rotary clubs, motorcycle clubs etc are absolutely brilliant at supporting families who've been plunged into horrendous situations they need help to get out of.

Wonderful thank you so much. I will speak with housing. But wanted to see if anyone had been in a similar situation to me.

Yes WAV are extremely expensive o simply cannot afford. I will
Look into the canopy for the wheelchair as anything mobility wise is so expensive. I have spent £1000s on stuff so far as the NHS waiting lists are to long. Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
panda2023 · 19/02/2023 10:43

JustKeepBuilding · 19/02/2023 10:37

The OT assessment from the LA’s aids and adaptations service shouldn’t have too long a waiting list (at least in comparison to waiting list for diagnosis and other OT assessments) so chase that as it will be them that will advise and authorise needing a bath.

Hi.i have spoken with them regarding my autistic child not being able to have showers due to sensory issues but the deem the shower more important due to my youngest and his wheels.

OP posts: