Housing Benefit and Moving

DarbyAllan

I wonder if one of you kind people could assist me.

I live in a privately rented house and am disabled. I receive full Local Housing Allowance and Council Tax Benefit.

As my disability has worsened over time, I can no longer climb stairs or get into the bath, or even move around in my wheelchair indoors as the rooms/doors are too small. Socail Services said the property was no longer suitable for me.

So about four months ago, I applied to the local Housing Association for a sheltered adapted bungalow and last Wednesday they contacted me to say one has come available. I visited it on Thursday and it is ideal with all adaptions in place, all newly decorated with a brand new low level kitchen, wet room shower etc - brilliant. The only thing it needs (which I have to pay for) ares new carpets throughout which are being fitted on the 20th of this month, a cooker and curtains.

Anyway, I have had to give my current landlord one months notice, which I did after I looked at the property last Thursday and my current tenancy will expire on 9th May.

However I officially take over the bungalow next Monday 19th April. Would I be allowed an 'overlap' in Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit to cover the 20 day period between signing for my new Housing Association tenancy and my existing tenancy expiring?. It is within the same local authority area I am moving to but about 8 miles away from where I currently live if that makes any difference.

Thank you.

Darby

absent_dad

Normally Housing Benefit can only be paid on the home in which you are living. However, in some cases Housing Benefit can be paid on two homes.


This is known as “overlapping benefit”.


Overlapping benefit can only be paid for a maximum period of four weeks. You will have to show housing benefit that occupying both homes was unavoidable, in your case a disabled person needs to move quickly to get ground floor accommodation. Which are grounds for an application.


You will need to go and see them and make the request in writing, stating when the tenancy of your old home expires, the new one begins and the reason for the move, namely access to bathroom and general movement around the home is restricted

If you go to the shelter web site they have a template letter you can fill in and submit to them…don’t forget to get a receipt for the letter, the so-and-so’s have a habit of losing these things

england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/housing_benefit_for_two_homes


don't forget to put http:// before as I cannot post the link as I am new here and may be spaming
Good luck

McKneff

Wow Darby, a lovely new home.

Hope youre happy in it and all goes well.

Good luck with the HB thing

AnxiousMum

Good luck with the hb overlap Darby - and congrats on your new home - I hope it makes your life alot easier for you - it sounds perfect!

absent_dad

I don't know if is any help to you but you can apply for a Community care grant from the social fund.

This is not a loan and does not have to be paid back.

If you get income support, pension credits or any income based benefit you can apply for moving costs as you are moving to more suitable accomodation.

You can get the form (SF300) from any jobcentre or look here

direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017560


a downloadable form follow the link on the page or here

dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/sf300_print.pdf

don't forget the www. before as I cannot provide links yet


Hope it helps


Good luck

DarbyAllan

Thanks all. I will download the shelter letter and send it ot the local authortiy.

I don't think I can get a Community Care Grant as although I get full housing benefit and Council Tax Benefit, my War Disablement Pension puts me just £1.13 per week above the Income Support level. To be honest I would be better off without the War Disablement Pension but am not allowed to stop claiming it in order to claim IS and its associated benefits.

Darby.