Dad homeless - can he get help?

OzzMosiz_2

My dad (58) is about to be made homeless. He lived with his girlfriend for around 12 years and she passed away last year. The house was left to her son, who has now sold it. The council say they cannot help him until he is homeless - !!!!!!!!!

His earnings are not that great, I believe he takes home about 800-850 a month.

Does anyone have any advice on what he can do? Is he eligible for help for anything (benefits, housing help) considering his low salary, age and permission?

Thanks a lot in advance, I'm really worried for him.

nickyhutch

Can he move in with you?

dmg24

How many hours does he work?

lynzpower

He needs proof that he is homeless. The son needs to write a detailed letter,with full contact details to the dad, saying that as of X date he will have no where to live. On that day your dad needs to present himself as homeless to the local authority.

On the other hand, can he afford a private rent in the area Does he have a deposit, some landlords now dont even take deposits. He is likely to get a top up for the rent from LHA if its an expensive area.
Google LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE and your postcode, your local authority should ahve a page explaining all..

NJW69

Speak to age concern who will be able to advise about benefits and entitlements and maybe housing.

KimYeovil

I'm not sure I understand the problem. He should look in newspapers and newsagents and estate agents for a new place to rent. He should then select one and move in. As he is over 25 he can claim the rent of a one bedroom self-contained home. Any difference between LHA and actual rent will have to be paid for by him.

There will be a waiting list for council accommodation. I see no reason why he should not have to wait his turn and queue up for decades.

OzzMosiz_2

Of course, I will put him up for a bit, but full time is going to be a problem as I am getting married next year and me and my fiance want to start a family.

The rent in the area he lives is around 450 for a 1 bedroom flat - that doesn't leave him much for bills and living!!

Really appreciate the useful quick replies. Any more suggestion very much welcome

Cheers all

dmg24

So you are not going to tell us how many hours he works?

McKneff

Even at 58, working a full time job he is still capable of getting a couple of nights in a pub, or restaurant to help him make ends meet.
Dont expect council accommodation, there will be lots of people in the same boat as him who have been on the list for years.

Does he have any sort of private pension he could start drawing?

As you said before, you could put him up for a while till he finds somewhere to rent so i wouldnt worry too much about him.

He's a big lad now, you know

alison999

OzzMosiz wrote: »

Of course, I will put him up for a bit, but full time is going to be a problem as I am getting married next year and me and my fiance want to start a family.l

is your dad not part of that family?

Fran

theartfullodger wrote: »

..)


Suggest he contacts CaB
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
or Shelter...
http://england.shelter.org.uk/
0808 800 4444
8am-8pm Monday-Friday
8am-5pm Saturday-Sunday

Yes he should absolutely contact Shelter. They will be able to tell him the possibilities and are the best people to advise about housing.

He should put his name down on the Council register whether homeless or not he can be on the list. He should also put his name down on any local Housing Associations that he can. If there is a housing help or advice centre near him he should go there too.