Council house and disabilities

[Irunoncoffee]

I am about to go on the housing register (long story short, DD and I are leaving an abusive home and starting a new life).
I am registered disabled with a hidden disability that I got off the back of having cancer, and if we were to be lucky enough to get a home, I would need a house rather than a flat.

I wondered if anyone could tell me how you go about telling the council about specific needs and disabilities? And if anyone else has a hidden disability and struggled or successfully got appropriate housing?

I’m quite timid and would be good for me to prepare what I can and can’t ask for!

would be good to hear peoples experiences! Thanks!

A letter from your GP or consultant would be a good start.As for the type of housing, it would depend on what your disability is. I live in an area where there aren't many, if any, council houses, but there are ground floor flats, some of which can be adapted if necessary.

You just explain your needs for downstairs accommodation a letter from your consultant or gp. Also if there is an organisation for your conditions they can also give supporting letters. Good luck you are so brave

I currently just had my council house well I'm in supported housing due to needs. In my area south west you can no longer add things like need a house need a garden no neighbours due to the shortages In property. And rather only have wheelchair access or more basic needs.

Your best option is to get a housing support worker who can help you with your needs and help you get accommodation more suitable.

Sorry I can't give better advice obviously not the same everywhere but I know that's my local councils way to view it x

I am under teams of mental health support and have loads of support letters suggesting I need a garden so I can step outside safely when overwhelmed (I had postpartum psychosis and would walk miles not just mental health issues) and the council said they are unable to follow the needs of the letters as the need of property is more important. Hopefully not the same in your area but just warning you x

I'm trying to think why you would need multiple level housing rather than single level for a disability but struggling to.

You would need to evidence in your housing request the reasons why you need an upstairs and downstairs and how it would impact your disability if you didn't have that.

I'd suggest reaching out to your local advocacy service or a related disability charity fir help,with filling in the forms & chasing up.

I had to help my brother in a similar situation & though the council had a duty to house him because of his disability, actually getting that to happen or even get a reply was as frustrating as it gets. We contacted his local advocacy service & he was appointed a woman who really knew the system & could kick ass & he was housed very quickly, though it was a flat suitable to his needs. I'm not sure how much joy you'll have with a house tbh, it's going to depend on why & the availability in your area

If you are leaving an abusive relationship women's aid can also advise you and offer support.

Well done for leaving . I think you need to speak to the housing officer regarding your needs . I don't think you can specifically say you need a house but you need accommodation that you can access due to your disability.

Check with your housing , but you will probably need to complete a ‘medical’ form. This can be complex and needs lots of supporting evidence plus a good written account from you about what you need and why . This will then be assessed by a doctor who decides what you need. That doctors recommendation is adhered to .