Lha

BenefitHelp

Okay, this whole benefits thing is so confusing as I have never been on benefits so im so sorry about my questions on this

I need to move out of my property asap so I need to look myself rather than waiting on the housing transfer list.

So in terms of LHA, once I find the property, do I contact the council to make the application and how long does it normally take. The amounts I have seen on the website seem set, so do I get the set amount stated in my catergory for housing? Or less if my property costs less to rent than the amount set by the council?

I am on mat leave right now and i have been awarded full housing benefit so do I end my HB claim once I have moved or just fill in a change of circumstances form?

I know I have to pay the 1st months rent upfront and/or a deposit for the property but what if the LHA application takes long and I am unable to pay the next months rent?

As I am not on JSA or IS as i do not qualify so I cannot get help from budgeting loan and I dont think crisis loans cover rental costs and rent in advance, can I get help paying the deposit? It is urgent that I move and I do not have an option in this so will this go in my favour as an emergency

[Deleted User]

can you tell us why you need to move(it may help advise you)?

BenefitHelp

I was assualted, and the person who assaulted me lives in the area. The police have been made aware of this and so have my Housing Association, the police have given a report to my HA but they still state I could be in for a long wait to be moved, but as I feel unsafe and no amount of counselling is making me feel safer, I will take it upon myself to find a place to move away from my current area for my sanity

Im not working, nor is my OH and i cant live here anymore, infact im not even home right now, im staying at a friends

[Deleted User]

the best i can offer is that you contact shelter to see what help maybe avaliable for you,hopefully someone else will be along with other ideas.
good kuck

BenefitHelp

Thank you, i will try the shelter

Oldernotwiser

I understand your wanting to move but do you realise how insecure renting in the private sector can be? Some people are lucky but it's not unusual to have to move every 6 months to a year if the landlord sells up or needs the property back again.

karenx

you said your on maternity leave but then say your not working? Maternity pay counts towards income for lha. With 1 child you will be allowed the 2 bedroom rate so that amount is the most they will pay but they take income into account so it could be less and you need to make up the shortfall.
with a private let you need to pay deposit and first month rent, as far as I know you won't get help towards either unless your council offers a rent deposit scheme whereby they pay the deposit and you pay them back weekly

BenefitHelp

karenx wrote: »

you said your on maternity leave but then say your not working? Maternity pay counts towards income for lha. With 1 child you will be allowed the 2 bedroom rate so that amount is the most they will pay but they take income into account so it could be less and you need to make up the shortfall.
with a private let you need to pay deposit and first month rent, as far as I know you won't get help towards either unless your council offers a rent deposit scheme whereby they pay the deposit and you pay them back weekly

I am on mat leave and my OH is not working

karenx

Yes I read that already, but I'm saying your maternity pay counts towards income for lha so you may not be awarded full entitlement and you will have to top up the rest

BenefitHelp

i dont mind topping up, i am just wanting to move for my safety asap but thanks for your input

This is just a last case scenario, once im better mentally, im going back to work asap so i can pay the rent if i move to a privately rented accomodation, i rather work, knowing my money will contribute to paying for a place away from my attacker than be on benefits and have limitations as to the things i can do to move away from here

Bollotom

If you are "in fear" through violence and you are also pregnant, don't the council have some responsibility to house you? Might be worth a shot at visiting your local housing office.:cool: