Is there any point applying?

clg123

I own a property with my now ex partner. It is not an easy break up at all and I have had to rapidly move out and the house is currently being repossessed. I am now effectively 'homeless' - i am kipping on family members sofa in an already very overcrowded house. I work f/t but my wage is generally not great - Ive looked at renting privately but the prices are stupidly high even for the most basic of accomodation (575pm plus)

I have a housing form Ive started filling in - until more than one person told me not to bother as I'll be wasting my time and it'll take years. Are they correct???? How does the council work out 'points'??

Annisele

I'm not sure whether you're talking about getting a council property, or applying for LHA.

If council housing:

You need to look at your local council's website - they're all slightly different. Direct Gov gives you some idea, and there's a link on that site to help you find your local council.

If you're not vulnerable in some way (i.e. children, poor health, disability) then I'm afraid I don't rate your chances of getting a property any time soon.

If you're talking about a form for LHA, see here for a brief guide.

I assume the £575pm is for an entire property, rather than for a room in a shared house/as a lodger? I don't know where you are in the country, but even in London I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a room for less than £575 pm.

Morglin

clg123 wrote: »

I own a property with my now ex partner. It is not an easy break up at all and I have had to rapidly move out and the house is currently being repossessed. I am now effectively 'homeless' - i am kipping on family members sofa in an already very overcrowded house. I work f/t but my wage is generally not great - Ive looked at renting privately but the prices are stupidly high even for the most basic of accomodation (575pm plus)

I have a housing form Ive started filling in - until more than one person told me not to bother as I'll be wasting my time and it'll take years. Are they correct???? How does the council work out 'points'??

I would be very surprised if you were successful in obtaining a council property, as you would be classed as low priority, and find it difficult to ever get to the top of the list.

Most councils award additional points for children, disability, old age etc., - and none of these seem to apply to you.

There's no harm done in registering, but, in the short term, I would concentrate on trying to find a private let you can afford on your salary and any LHA that might be payable.

Lin

poppysarah

clg123 wrote: »

I have a housing form Ive started filling in - until more than one person told me not to bother as I'll be wasting my time and it'll take years. Are they correct???? How does the council work out 'points'??

I hate that!

Everyone who wants to should get on the waiting list. It's supposed to be done according to need and sofa surfing whilst working should imo give you lots of points.

You might only get offered a one bed flat in a grotty area - but if you're prepared to take anything then it's a good idea.
Ring shelter as they'll advise you on your best means of approach with the local council - or just look up how to apply.

Jowo_2

The Shelter website has good info about the homeless application process with the local council, including how they work out priorities.In some areas, there is massive demand for very little supply and a healthy single person with an income in those circumstances may just receive advice about how to find a private letting. There are millions of people on the waiting list for social housing, it's doubled over the last decade, and less stock. Generally the homeless, those with dependents and disabilities are prioritised.

but if you don't apply, you don't get.

Put your details into the Turn2us (entitled to) online benefits calculator, including estimated rent, and it will tell you if your income is low enough to receive any tax credits or local housing allowance. If you are under 25, you only get an LHA rate equivalent to having a room in a shared property.

Boi-ing

You should apply to all Social Landlords and your local council. You will be classed as having no priority need, but will be awarded points for homeless, relationship breakdown, sharing ameities etc. So you would end up with a relatively good points total, you might not be offered high demand accomodation but still likely you will get an offer of some kind.