jsa and local housing allowance

dc7

hi, i'm new here and have a question concerning job seekers allowance and housing allowance. i graduated from university last year and have since moved back home. a couple of months ago i started to claim jsa but i was wondering about my options for moving. i am currently staying at my mum's house but where we live there are not many opportunities as it is a small town in the countryside. i have been thinking recently about moving to somewhere like london where there are more opportunities, only going to interviews there whilst at home would be v expensive...about £100 on the train and about 5 hours. I was thinking about maybe finding a cheapish place to rent and search for jobs while i live there. here's the dilemma: the money from jsa would not be enough to cover rent and living expenses, but i read something about housing allowance which helps with the cost of rent. Does anyone know anything about this? also, what would happen to my current jsa if i move...do i need to reapply? it's just that i want to make a life of my own and i know there are plenty of places in london where i can put my degree to good use. Very sorry for the long post people, and thank you for any suggestions.

fluffymovie

Hi there

If you decide to make the move, you would need to inform JSA of this as you would need to start signing on where you move to.

There is loads of stuff on the web about help with rent and it is called Local Housing Allowance.

If you do a search in the forums using this term (or Housing benefit), you will find a load more information than I can type in one reply.

However, much depends on your age, the area you choose to move to.

If you are thinking of moving, you might find it more affordable to look at outer london firstly or any of the big cities around there.

Good luck!

Jowo_2

There are LHA calculators online which will tell you if you are eligible for a room rate in a shared property (if you are under 25) or can the rate for your own self contained property (if over 25) and the rate that is payable by the postcode of the property.

Most council websites have info explaining how to apply and the process for receiving it. As far as I can remember, an applicant must have a tenancy agreement to accompany the application (i.e. has to secure the property first).

Many landlords are reluctant to accept LHA claimants. Some will ask for a guarantor - someone who can pay your rent if you default, therefore they have to earn enough to cover your rent.

Many councils operate deposit guarantee schemes where those on low income or in housing need can get some assistance with the deposit.

karenx

Also bear in mind that although all or most of your rent will be paid while on JSA, you have to make sure you can afford to pay the rent once you get a job!

Vixie_Pixie

london's rents are so high (i've looked myself cos i love london!) Its best to look in the outer london. Get a map and look at the train routes out of london and look in those areas. You'll find a massive difference in rents that are charged!!

In terms of benefits there's been some great advice offered by previous posters and there isn't anything i can add to that!

Sometimes tho, (i guess it depends on the LA) deposit guarantee schemes are only given to those who are unintentionally homeless.. but as you are on JSA you may be able to get a loan from them to cover your deposit but i'm not 100% on JCP loans and stuff so if i'm wrong i'm sure one of the other posters will correct me

dc7

thanks for the replies everyone...looking at my options at the moment, ideally would like to secure a job first but if i can find a short term contract would be ok as a base whilst job hunting. Looking at one bedroom studio places, but just outside london could be better for prices. I guess I would have to find the deposit and first month's rent myself, and need to make sure the job I get would cover the rent when the housing allowance stops. Will also find out about getting a loan for a deposit. Thanks for the advice

viktory

Don't forget you will have considerable outlay once you have found somewhere to live. You will need to factor in furniture, bedding, towels, council tax, water rates, electricity, gas (if applicable), TV licence, fares, clothes, food etc - all on JSA as finding a job will certainly take time.