Can I Claim Help With Deposit?

simpson2_2

Hello everyone. I'm brand new to the forum!

I am self employed but currently on a very low income. I have been staying with a family member but it is no longer possible to live here - I need to move out asap.

I understand that I will be able to claim housing benefit but at the moment I simply cannot afford the deposit on a flat. Is there any help available to me? I've searched around online but cannot find any information. I hate the thought of claiming benefits but I really need some help at the moment. Does anyone have any advice?

Thank you x

viktory

Don't forget that in addition to the deposit you may also have the cost of a credit check (my daughter paid £100 for this) and also the first month's rent which you will need to find. A rent deposit scheme may be able to help you with your deposit. These schemes either pay your landlord the deposit, or guarantee they will pay for any damage at the end of the tenancy. Such schemes sometimes help with rent in advance. Some will help you to find a property while others will ask you to find the property yourself.

However, rent deposit schemes usually have rules about who they can help. For example, many schemes only help people on benefits or a low income. Some schemes are only for young people, and others may not help people who the council has a legal duty to house, such as people with children. Most schemes have limited funding so may not be able to help even if you fit the criteria. Unfortunately, some landlords may also not accept a deposit guarantee from a rent deposit scheme.

Crisis SmartMove gives details of rent deposit schemes around the country. However this site does not list all schemes, so ask at your local council or advice centre to find out if there is anything else in your area.

simpson2_2

Thank you so much for your reply - I'm just about to have a look into rent desposit schemes. I really,really appreciate your help :-) x

karenx

You may also want to keep the rent for the second month also incase your housing benefit claim hasnt gone through yet.

nannytone_2

how old are you> as under 25's can only claim LHA at a shared rate. Also chck the LHA for your area otherwise you may sti;; find yourself having to 'top it up'