Really need some advice

theoretica

Have you thought about job hunting outside London? (assuming you are working not studying) the rest of the country is much cheaper and there are some great places to bring kids up!

You might get useful help talking to Shelter- they are the housing charity, and probably have advised loads of people in similar situations to you.

angelicmary85

Your GF will be entitled to the £190.00 HIP Grant which she will receive at 24weeks and you could apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant which is £500.00 - £690.00 is better than a kick in the face.

welshmoneylover

I wouldn't bank on receiving that much HB especially if David Cameron gets in

Caz3121

Do you work in central London? What sort of income? You mention applying for LHA - is this as a top up or to pay all the rent? many landlords will not take DSS tenants and you may find that the ones that do are the less desirable properties

TUS

You need to move out of London mate, and commute in if you work in London. That rent is a LOT. We pay £475 per month for a 3 bed HOUSE in Newcastle. I'm not saying you move 300 miles, but it gives you an idea of how much of a rip off that is.

It may be worth you posting a SOA (statement of affairs) so we have an idea of your cash flow and where you can save ££s. Congrats on the baby btw ... don't worry you have several years to stabilise yourself and move somewhere nice before they start properly growing up. In the early 1-2 years, the very basics are your priority.

R0bert_Sterling

I thought you could BUY a 3 Bed house in Newcastle for £475.

Sublime_2

Congratulations on your new baby! I believe you are better off staying with family while you save up, as having a baby is very expensive, and you'll need as good a start as possible.

I don't know about your circumstances, so cannot comment on what you may get. Will you get any help from family? I never recieved any grants, etc for my children at all , as my household income was high at the time, but I was fortunate enough to have a nursery suite, etc bought for me by my wonderful parents.

Regarding housing, have you actually looked into whats available. Don't you have one of those schemes where you can bid on properties?, or if not, are there any housing associations?

TUS

R0bert_Sterling wrote: »

I thought you could BUY a 3 Bed house in Newcastle for £475.

Hilarious.

paulmcerlean

You dont need to be spending that much to rent in London. I know it is expensive but you can get a nice place for half that money outside of Zone 1.

CashRequired

£1300 per month rent? You can't be serious? I'd want a swimming pool for that.