On ESA and Homeless

eadie52

Hi, I am hoping for some advice from you wonderful people!
I have been on ESA (Support section) for about 6 months now. At the same time I have been living with 3 separate friends due to homelesness (2 nights at 2 different places and 3 nights at another). As you can imagine this is extremely stressful for someone with 2 incurable diseases. My main address has been with the one where I spend 3 nights, however, that has now changed. My friend has moved to the top floor of a 4 storey building and I cannot climb the stairs. To cut a long story short I have been offered the opportunity to get my own ground floor flat through someone I know but I have no idea how to get the first months rent and deposit together (total of £1600!). A friend has told me to apply for a budgeting loan for the first months rent but it will not cover the deposit. In addition the flat is unfurnished and I have to be able to at least buy a bed! Can anyone offer me any advice about this? Thank you. Issi

Oldernotwiser

What part of the country is this in and how old are you?

Jowo_2

Many local councils operate a deposit guarantee scheme for those on low incomes, benefits or at risk of homelessness. Ask them.

I'm not familiar with the grants and loans available by the DWP but do consider places like Gumtree freebies, Freegle, Freecycle for free furniture plus local charity furniture places, including Emmaus, the Salvation Army and british heart foundation for cheap stuff.

If the friend's place isn't a goer, you should contact the Citizens Advice, local council and Shelter to understand how to apply as homeless and the local councils obligation to help you.

babymoo

Do you have a furniture project around? Like a charity that sells very cheap furniture? You need 2 make sure you have a care of address somewhere even if your not living there. Are you on the council list for a property? I would suggest doing that asap if not as you are homeless and ill I assume you will go straight to the top.

£1600 is a lot of money for a deposit and 1st months rent especially on an unfurnished property. I would speak to the CAB as they may point you in the direction of some help. Also speak to the council as i'm sure you can get help with deposits if your on low income.

eadie52

Sorry, I should have given more details! I am a 58 year old single woman in North West London

eadie52

I'm not on the Council List because people kept telling me that it would that's a waste of time, perhaps I should do that right away? I'm not aware of any furniture projects in my area but I'll certainly check that out. Thanks

babymoo

Eadie52, I would register with the council straight away. They are not perfect and it may well be a waste of time, but its better to try than assume it won't work. Do you have letters from your dr/consultants detailing your illnesses as they will want some form of proof if they are to add it to the reasons that you need rehousing. Do you have copies of any benefits letters stating any entitlement?
Have you tried any hostels or homeless shelters?

eadie52

Yes, I do have copies of letter from my Consultants and I also have my Benefits letters detailing that I am in the Support Group of ESA. I will register with the Council as you suggest. Thanks for your advice!

babymoo

No worries I hope it all works out for you.