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help!!!!

Hi there,
I need some advice.
I am a single mother who works part time. Currently I live at home with my mum and sister. We have all been arguing due to the lack of space because I now have a baby, and its got to the point I have to move out...and quickly...
I have been on the council list for a house for ages and nothing has happened so was wondering about how I go about finding my own flat by a private letting agency and claiming housing benefit. Here is my questions.
1- what price range should I be looking @ monthly so that I will qualify for housing benefit. Most flats i'v seen are £500pm.
2- If I find a flat, how do I go about trying to get some benefits to help me pay rent?

I have always lived with parents and have never claimed anything like this before. Any help would be great.
one step at a time....

Comments

  • nannytone_2
    nannytone_2 Posts: 13,012 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    you need to find out the rate of LHA you can get in your area as you only get housing benefit for a council property.
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    you will also need to find the deposit and rent up front, benefits are paid in arrears...some councils do a scheme for this
  • Thanx I will check LHA, had never heard of this b4. And as for the deposit, I would be able to get it some way, a family member would probably help me out untill I got on my feet.
    I only work 17hrs and have a 1year old so I just hope I could afford to get my own place :s
    one step at a time....
  • nannytone_2
    nannytone_2 Posts: 13,012 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    good luck!

    i have to say if you can sort things out at home, it'd be much better for you
  • I think we are past that, there is no room to move and we are all at the brink of hating each other. Its putting me in a bad depression. Alot of flats I c say no DSS, would that include me, or is it unemployed?
    one step at a time....
  • karenx
    karenx Posts: 4,988 Forumite
    DSS is housing benefit so yes that would include you.
  • tea690
    tea690 Posts: 74 Forumite
    im in thurrock and got a crisis loan to cover my deposit dont know if all areas do this but may be worth asking your council
  • daska
    daska Posts: 6,212 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants - Michael Pollan
    48 down, 22 to go
    Low carb, low oxalate Primal + dairy
    From size 24 to 16 and now stuck...
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    once you have got an idea from daskas link then try entitledto.co.uk to get an indication on what help you would get towards the rent/CTax
  • thanx guys will do that just now!
    one step at a time....
This discussion has been closed.
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