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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

Housing help...

22 replies

killpeppa · 28/10/2013 20:19

As some of you supportive mumsnetters know I got the courage to seprarate from my H for various reasons (see previous threads if you want)
But I have a question about housing if anyone could answer.
Posting here as it gets more traffic than 'Money'

I have to apply for housing benefit due to my circumstances but can anyone tell me how it works if I choose a private rental?

Do I need a deposit is my main question?

If anyone can help a bit it would be appricciated.

OP posts:
LIZS · 28/10/2013 20:22

You need a deposit or for ll to accept a deposit guarantee which may be available from the council or through a charity.

AnyFuckerforanamechange · 28/10/2013 20:23

Housing benefit have a ceiling on rents they'll pay for any property as far as I know. You will need a deposit, probably a month up front. HB don't stump up for a deposit I don't think. Check with the HB nearest you to find out though.

Make sure if you go with a private landlord that they're a member of the Tenant's deposit scheme. They hold the deposit all the time you're a tenant and will pay it back to you at the end of the lease (or a part of it if your landlord charges you for damage to the property which needs repairing before it can be leased again.).

HTH.

LIZS · 28/10/2013 20:25

Also I'm not sure you'll get the first month's rent up front either.

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:28

It is all changing with the universal credit. As a single person the maximum total amount you can receive is £350 a week for all benefits (provided you are unemployed- doesn't apply if you are working).

Halfarsed · 28/10/2013 20:37

Not exactly Scarlett'smummy. Oh dear, I do wish people wouldn't give ill-informed advice about factual matters.

The overall benefit cap is already in place. If the OP has children the maximum she is entitled to is £500 per week (not £350). But most people are not entitled to anything approaching that amount.

The benefit cap is seperate to Universal Credit. It is very unlikely the OP will be in an area piloting Universal Credit and if she has DCs she won't be allowed on it for some years.

OP look on direct gov to find out the maximum housing benefit you are entitled to. You may find that it doesn't stretch very far in your area. You'll need a month's rent in advance and a deposit (normally) which HB will not cover. But talk to your council as they may be able to give you help via the Housing Options service. You may end up having to get out a loan though.

But please, seek proper advice.

Original poster
killpeppa · 28/10/2013 20:40

I am, I have a appointment on thursday with the housing executive.

Im not in an area with that universal scheme and I have two DC.

Its all so confusing! I just want a nice, safe home and new start for my children. Sad

OP posts:
scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:41

Halfarsed- how exactly was I misinformed- the maximum a single person can get is £350! I didn't say that she would get that full amount but that that was the maximum for a single person, and this WILL be coming in at some point.

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:43

Ahh, so you are in NI! Yes, the welfare reform bill hasn't come in there yet, but it will be next year.

Halfarsed · 28/10/2013 20:43

And you'll get it Peppa Smile. Good news you have an appointment.

If you put your postcode in here it will tell you how much housing benefit you could be entitled to. lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx But remember it may go down if you have savings or a job.

Halfarsed · 28/10/2013 20:45

Scarlettmummy the OP has children so she is entitled to a max of £500 per week. Single peopel means single no kids. And this change has already come into force.

Only a handful of areas in the UK are on the Universal Credit scheme and none of them accept claimants with children so this is not relevant to the OP yet!! She needs to know about housing benefit.

Original poster
killpeppa · 28/10/2013 20:45

thanks haldarsed:)
I check that out now. But neither due to the circumstances of the separation (financial abuse involved as well as other things)

Yep NI.

OP posts:
scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:48

She doesn't mention children so therefore I simply stated the maximum for a single person (which I specified) but I am aware that with children you can receive up to £500. Both the benefit cap and universal credit are being introduced as part of the welfare reform measures. I said 'it is all changing', and didn't actually specify a timeframe. There really was no need to be so arrogant.

Original poster
killpeppa · 28/10/2013 20:52

guys its all okay, yous were both being helpful:)

OP posts:
Mumof3girlys · 28/10/2013 20:53

It's better if you have your own deposit, council offer a deposit guarantee but its slot harder to find a landlord who will except that as they like cash upfront, depending on your currumstsnces you may be able to get council accommodation, I did but it took 18 months with me and 3 children living In my old room at mums house, but my ex was abusive and a total nightmare and it was the police and local pm who got me moved xx

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:54

I understand that but the tone was really unnecessary. I am actually currently working on an impact assessment on the welfare reform measures so do no a bit more than average about it!

Halfarsed · 28/10/2013 20:54

I'm not arrogant, it just annoys me when people give poor advice because it makes a situation worse, not better. I see a lot of the after effects of people relying on friends and family for legal and financial "advice" and it's not helpful.

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:55

What piece of my advice was incorrect?????

stephrick · 28/10/2013 20:57

Be warned, I separated from ex husband 9 years ago, thankfully my parents paid my deposit on private rent, still here and been on social housing list for 8 years and still waiting. I am working but min wage and have to pay £200 towards rent, plus council tax, they say the max is £500 but do not think you will get that, I receive £260 per week, that is housing benefit and council tax, and child tax credit including working tax credits. The cut backs are hard. On a different not My DD now has a £9000 debt for this years uni fees. AHHHH Frustrated

Halfarsed · 28/10/2013 20:59

You conflated the overall benefit cap and universal credit. You seem unaware of the roll out for either the overall benefit cap or universal credit. And you gave overly partial advice about the overall benefit cap, and failed to mention the key issue which is housing benefit and how the OP can get help with a deposit or rent in advance...

But let's not derail the OP's thread.

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 20:59

The benefit cap doesn't apply if you work.

scarlettsmummy2 · 28/10/2013 21:02

The roll out is different across the whole country so therefore impossible to say when it would apply and the dates for universal credit keep changing anyway. I was merely saying that the whole system is changing, and gave a relevant point based on the information provided!

Original poster
killpeppa · 28/10/2013 21:03

I could ask my parents for help but I really dont want to. they are in the middle of renovating & I know what they just dont need me asking for a few hundred pounds!
AGHHH

hopefully the HE will enlighten me a bit more on thursday (app on Halloween-may the spirits be with me!)

Thanks for all the help everyone :)

OP posts:
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