First time Renting with full time perm job+PIP, UC Child element&benefit and baby

[PPAdvixe]

I’ve never rented before. I got a full time job and was looking to move out first time etc but got pregnant…. i’ve been too depressed in Pregnancy and Postpartum too do anything like save and etc in fact I got into some debt. But i’m looking to rent now and debt is sorted. My maternity leave is coming to an end. I also get PIP.

Not sure what the situation is with DC Dad.. so will say SP renting…

When i’m back working full time i’d only get £100 in UC child element on top. But usually my workplace gives everyone at least £100 bonus on top, it’s taxed but still it’s never really less than £100 usually between £150-£200 range. So my salary will look higher than what is it anyway so i’ll get £0 or nearly £0 in UC just child benefit.

Im wondering if PIP would be suitable to offer to landlords on top of my salary? Its non means tested but a benefit so not classed as income…

I also wondering to try in six months and offer six months rent upfront or will landlords think i’m dodgy?

Guarantor.. would probs have to use a agency guarantor…

My credit score has gone good to poor to now “average” but no defaults, cjjs, iva etc.

Ive left it a bit late depression isn’t that good of an excuse but a honest reason and it’s a mess bringing a child in the world like this yeah yeah I know but … i’m just wondering where to start. DSS friendly ? Social Housing, wait ( ages) on the list? maybe get a temp emergency apartment and housing quick? 6 months rent upfront+agency guarantor … idk

Any advice is welcome… i don’t need shame just advice…

If this thread is in the wrong section could a mod kindly remove and put in the right section ? and/or someone point me where else to post?

I might get flamed…. wondering if I should get a 1 bed, not mention child, move my CB into another account but live at home and then get a 2 bed?

Not ideal but to get renting history and good reference? So it’s easier to get a 2 bed.

bump?

So a few factors.
You don't need to tell the letting agency about benefits strictly speaking, however its all based on affordability.
The letting agents will tell you what the minimum salary needs to be to pass the affordability test.
You'll need to provide payslips.
You also won't be able to use an agency guarantor as the guarantor needs to be a person who ideally either is a home owner and is in full time employment and their salary meets the affordability to pick up payments should you default.

If you receive the housing element of UC you'll be given what the local housing allowance is and expected to meet any short falls yourself.
Also take into account that you need to pay Council tax, utilities such as gas, water and electricity. As well as Broadband and ideally contents insurance.

You've really got to do your numbers.

I would suggest in your circumstances to contact your local citizens advice bureau or your local council to see what options are available to you regarding renting

You wouldn't be able to do that.
If you're going to receive Universal Credit in anyway towards your housing, DWP do landlord checks and they'll know about your kid. It's a ridiculous idea.
If you can afford to save up for 6 months then maybe do that and then offer that up front, but be aware they may ask for another 6 months up front after that to keep the tenancy rolling.

I would be very careful about withholding information when applying housing.

Have you applied to go on the council list, OP?

If you're getting PIP, you have a disabling health condition and would therefore be a higher priority than applicants without such a health condition.

I’ve never received housing benefit for UC. I’m not sure what comes up on bank statements for people receiving housing benefit but it comes up as DWP and a bunch of numbers… apart from child benefit… but as I said on another post of mine my UC will be nil/nearly nil anyway when
I start working again. I don’t know if i’ll be entitled to housing benefit then either

But you’re right it’s ridiculous.

I’ve applied to council list and housing associations in my area. slim pickings and I can’t apply to the local other councils as I don’t work/live there…. or really have reliable family members there.

Im not sure if when i’m working again i’ll be eligible for social housing …

thank you

Good luck OP, it is incredibly hard. Maybe contact Shelter also and ask what your options are.

Thank you

You will get the rent element of UC once you have found somewhere to rent. Housing benefit does not exist for new claimants if working age.

Given your situation your best and possibly only bet is the Council. Some councils do offer a rent deposit bond which may be of help. You can find out how much UC you might get once in a flat by using an online calculator like Turn2Us and putting in the typical local rent for a two bed property which you will probably be entitled to given the age of your child.

Make sure you are getting maintenance from the child’s father as this is not counted as income for benefits purposes.

The private rental market is brutal at the moment with low supply and high demand. If you have somewhere safe to live now your options include staying put and concentrating on saving and maximising your income potential for the future

Will I if what i’m earning from work is “ too “ much? i’ve phoned UC and calculated without housing benefit when I return back to work I’ll get nearly £0 or £0 UC but my claim can still be open…

With housing benefit I get less work allowance so £0 UC there…

But anyway thank you

If you can keep your claim open this means that if/when you apply for rent element and/or childcare costs you can do this without having to start again. However if your income means you are over the threshold then obviously you are not entitled to claim anything