Disabled and renting a house

Wee_Willy_Harris

Out of curiosity, would you mind stating what the nature of your disability is?

g_attrill

Regarding the 55+ constraints, I'm sure that is because those properties are in buildings or roads/estates where everybody must be 55+, presumably to ensure that the quality of life of the residents is maintained.

babymoo

Wee_Willy_Harris wrote: »

Out of curiosity, would you mind stating what the nature of your disability is?

Sure,

I was born with a congenital heart defect for which I am awaiting a valve replacement. I am always out of breath and very tired.

I was also born with clicky hips which has now developed into rheumatoid arthiritis. There is an operation that they can do which could give me a chance of about 10 years being pain free, but the same operation could land me in a wheelchair permanently and at the moment I can get away with only using a wheelchair if I am going out for the day.

Further to this I suffer with severe endometriosis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Endometriosis causes untold pain as does the fibromyalgia and the chronic fatigue means that I don't sleep very well if at all.

Wee_Willy_Harris

Well, assuming your bedroom/bathroom is upstairs at your parents house, it might be a good idea to get a letter from your Dr to confirm the problems stairs cause you and see someone from the homeless section at your council. I think you have a strong argument for being homeless due to the unsuitability of your current housing. Put that to them (nicely) and see what they come up with. They won't want to take a homeless application as that is reflected in their statistical returns. But they may come up with an alternative which works to your advantage.

However, you HAVE only been waiting in the higher band for 3 months which, in housing terms, is the blink of an eye. Many councils also overlook age restrictions if you have a disability. Some use their own OT to assess this, some look at your benefits so the fact that you get DLA may work in your favour.

Go with an open mind and see what they come up with. If you aren't happy, ask for any decision to be put in writing as this gives you something to appeal against.

babymoo

Your assumption is correct. Thank you for the advice I shall speak with them on monday and get that letter from GP. Cheers

clutton_2

have you looked into what sort of home improvement grants are available to you for free ? i know several people who have had substantial works done to their property for free by the council because they could not manage stairs... Occupational therapists usually do the assessments for such works...

poppysarah

Speak to someone at the health centre you use. They will have someone who knows the system and can push through the move you need.