Agoraphobia, under 25, housing benefit

sundries

My sister has very severe agoraphobia (she has now been referred to secondary mental health services as well). She wants to move into her own flat. As far as I can tell housing benefit will only cover the cost of shared accomodation for someone under 25. Thats not really suitable for her as her Depression and agoraphobia and stuff means it would be quite difficult living with her and she is petrified of other people. She is on ESA.

I'm not sure what we can do. Does anyone know how she could get a one person flat in her situation? The waiting lists for council housing in the area are well over 5 years so thats not really a route she can take.

Indie_Kid

There is something about severe disabilities and one bedroom flat allowances with housing benefit for those under 25.

I cvan't find anything about this, sorry. (it's mentioned on my local council website; but no other information) You may get a better answer on the benefits board.

GlasweJen

The council can provide LHA to a disabled person under 25 at the one bedroom rate instead of at the shared rate. The criteria are vague so differ between coucils but your sister (or you as her carer) are best asking your local council (or the council where she's planning to live).

Oldernotwiser

The obvious solution is a studio flat or bedsit.

sunnyone

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

The obvious solution is a studio flat or bedsit.

Only to those of us who have always paid our own houseing costs.

cabbage

She can have her own flat but will only get the shared rate of LHA so she will have to make up the difference.

crutches

Have you tried asking locally if there is any supported housing for people with mental health problems?. A hostel can actually have seperate studiio flats for living seperately but workers to help your sister.A local young persons organisation or foyer or the mental health team may be able to help.

Oscar_The_Grouch

You mention that she's on ESA. Is she claiming DLA too? If she get's DLA, ESA goes up. This may be enough to cover the difference between the rental cost and the LHA payment, plush she would then have the DLA payment which should cover essentials such as having her shopping delivered, taxi's to hospital to avoid public transport and the like.

Indie_Kid

Oscar_The_Grouch wrote: »

You mention that she's on ESA. Is she claiming DLA too? If she get's DLA, ESA goes up. This may be enough to cover the difference between the rental cost and the LHA payment, plush she would then have the DLA payment which should cover essentials such as having her shopping delivered, taxi's to hospital to avoid public transport and the like.

If she's on DLA, some councils also may give taxi vouchers too.

Foggy-Karis

I am also in a similar situation. Although I do not have Agoraphobia, I have another disability.

The rules are: if you are under 25, the only way you can be considered for the One Bedroomed Rate is if you are on Middle Rate Care for Disability Living Allowance.

I know this because last week I met up with a senior housing benefit officer. She explained the rules, and these are across the country and do not vary from council to council.
I've even read the DWP documents and circulars that are sent to housing benefit departments that verify this.

Until she gets middle rate care for DLA, she will not be entitled to the one bed rate until she is over 25. Regardless of having 28 weeks of limited capability for work, verified by being on ESA.

Hope this helps.

Ames

I got a one bed LHA rate when I was under 25 because I was disabled. I had to fight for it and get a WRO and MP involved though because the numpties at the council couldn't understand their own rules.

ONW, round here a studio flat costs more than the shared LHA rate.