hello, i'm mother of 4 years old and have been living in hackney for over 4 years. When I separated from the father of my daughter we made an agreement on paper with signatures that I and my daughter can continue living in the flat owned by the father until the daughter will be 18 and we are still living there at the moment. However about a year and a half ago, things got worse between us and the father started sending me death threats etc..and he has received the police caution three times since. As it is no longer safe for us to live in the current place, also it is a studio flat without even one proper bedroom, I have been looking to move somewhere else. As the police gave the reference to Hackney's housing I have been there to talk to the officers and also made an application for the council house. I was told as we were the victim of domestic violence I would be able to get priority to be accommodated. However nothing happened for one year and 8 months and when I called the housing yesterday i was told that my application is still being accessed to be registered. As I am desperately looking for a place to move, I have also looking to rent privately, however, as the rent is getting so high, with my salary I am no way able to rent a two bed accommodation or not even one bed and I was turned down my offers from the landlords because of the reference. As my daughter has got a place in the reception in the school in Hackney I would like to find a place in the area.
Apologies for the long story,, but my question are.. what is the best way for me to find the place to move? I should be eligible for the housing benefit but every ad says no dss...how difficult to find a place when you are to rely on the housing benefit? Is anyone with the similar situation, as a victim of DV, how much priority the housing can give us and how long it would take to get the council accommodation?
It would be appreciated if you could give me any advice regarding my situation.
Thanks