help and advice needed

alexandra_cmpbll

Hi, My name is on common housing register, which incorporates all housing associations in the area. The council also have a letter from my gp outlining my disability, it has made no difference what ever. At the minute I dont think i will ever be any better off or have my own house. At times it is a real, real struggle. I have applied for other jobs, but i must let myself down at interview some how, as I have plenty experience and the proper qualifications. I dont think gas/ electric supplier would cut repayments for me. The council have told me there are no houses for anybody, except to rent privately, which to be honest, you would be better off not working as the rent is so expensive. My housing officer told me the only houses they have are in areas no one wants

hermum

A lot of councils won't really take into account a Drs letter & your housing has to affect your disability.
These areas that nobody wants to live, are they as bad as the HO says? In my town there's a couple of bad areas, but within them not everyone's bad, they are a small minority. Sometimes security of tenure & being able to afford to live can make up for not living in the best place.
If it's choice based lettings, when a place that you're eligible to apply for is advertised, drive round & take a look at the street. Sometimes estates have a bad name that carries on even after the bad families have moved out. It's often just a street or two that's not good & the rest is fine. My daughter bought a flat on one of the estates that people perceive as being rough & it was quiet & really nice. In the 3 years or so she was there, there was only one bit of trouble & that was when someone from a nice area slashed car tyres in her road.

alexandra_cmpbll

I understand, my concern is that I dont want the children to move again. They are happy and settled in the area they are in at present. I did live in one flat in a so called bad area, and my 15 year old son was made a target by local gangs. men of 21 I may add. He was beaten up three times. After calling police and informing housing, I was advised by police and social work to move outwith the area as the bullying would continue. Thats what I did so my son would be able to go the local shop without fear of being beaten. I approached one of the 21 year gang members who had beaten my son round the head. He had a girl friend with him who was pregnant. It beggars belief! i was told he would batter who he liked and to f off or I would be next.

Indie_Kid

Is the council with or without the 25% single person discount? Your son is on JSA - so you're entitled to second adult rebate.

You also seem to spend £40 a month on insurance and another £120 on fuel. £160 a month is a fair chunk of your disposable income - is there no way this can be reduced?

Not ideal I know; but it's probably cheaper to buy a monthly bus pass.

alexandra_cmpbll

25 per cent discount. No one told me my son would be entitled to a rebate. Thats the same processing department that deals with housing benefit and council tax benefit. Ill need to contact them! Thanks for telling me that. The public transport here is not very good, especially as I work shifts and wouldnt be able to get to and from work without my old car.

hermum

sh1305 wrote: »

Is the council with or without the 25% single person discount? Your son is on JSA - so you're entitled to second adult rebate.



Not ideal I know; but it's probably cheaper to buy a monthly bus pass.

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

25 per cent discount. No one told me my son would be entitled to a rebate. Thats the same processing department that deals with housing benefit and council tax benefit. Ill need to contact them! Thanks for telling me that. The public transport here is not very good, especially as I work shifts and wouldnt be able to get to and from work without my old car.

I think that the 25% is what the poster was asking about, your son won't get a discount but you shouldn't have to pay for him and you don't.

Indie_Kid

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

25 per cent discount. No one told me my son would be entitled to a rebate. Thats the same processing department that deals with housing benefit and council tax benefit. Ill need to contact them! Thanks for telling me that. The public transport here is not very good, especially as I work shifts and wouldnt be able to get to and from work without my old car.

You need to contact the council for advice. That being said, I did that and haven't been told how and where I apply for it.

alexandra_cmpbll

my local council have done nothing to help me. ill ask if maybe money advice can contact them on my behalf. I find it extremely frustrating dealing with them and then i become upset.

beth58_2

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

I dont think gas/ electric supplier would cut repayments for me.

How do you know if you don't speak to them.. I contacted my gas supplier as it was costing me in the region of £40 per week gas, a small amount covering arrears. I emailed them informing of the costs and difficulty this was placing me in, I got an email back saying they would look into it.

Now I'm lucky if I pay £10 per week I don't know what happened but I'm not arguing either. Contact them you never know.

beth58_2

alexandra_cmpbll wrote: »

my local council have done nothing to help me. ill ask if maybe money advice can contact them on my behalf. I find it extremely frustrating dealing with them and then i become upset.

Councils and Social Services depts have advice workers based in housing offices where I live. Have a look on your LA website or ring your local housing officer and ask for a referral to the advice service. Also, I know ppl don't like talking to social services but their advice workers can really help out. There's also disability organisations in your area which may have advice/support workers who may be able to help.

It really does work and removes a massive weight from your shoulders. Been there on both sides worker and stressed mother it can help.