Advice needed

stephyt23

A friend has just moved back into the family home after problems living with another family member.

This friend is unemployed and the parent now living with is moving out over the next couple of months so there won't be room for this friend in the new house.

I know this friend would be eligible for job seekers but does anyone know what else they may be able to claim, and a way they could get into housing? (As far as I know to get housing through the council you have to be able to pay rent which this person wouldn't be able to afford without a job)

Oldernotwiser

stephyt23 wrote: »

A friend has just moved back into the family home after problems living with another family member.

This friend is unemployed and the parent now living with is moving out over the next couple of months so there won't be room for this friend in the new house.

I know this friend would be eligible for job seekers but does anyone know what else they may be able to claim, and a way they could get into housing? (As far as I know to get housing through the council you have to be able to pay rent which this person wouldn't be able to afford without a job)

You have to separate the questions of paying for rented housing and being housed by the council. In both cases, someone in the situation you describe (and with limited savings) would be able to claim help with the rent through HB/LHA/CTB. Whether or not they would be able to get council accommodation would depend very much on the area.

What have they been living on up til now.

stephyt23

Their parents, they've not had to pay rent living with them. It was their dad they were living with until a problem has arisen which has meant they have moved back in with their mom on a temporary basis while something more suitable comes along.

To get help with HB/LHA/CTB wouldn't they need to be in a house first?

nannytone_2

they would need to find a property first.
a lot depends on their age. under 25 and they would only be eligable for shared rate LHA.
in the unlikely event that a council property was available for them, the rent would be covered if they were in receipt of a means tested benefit.

stephyt23

Yeah this person is under 25, they are only 20.

nannytone_2

you would need to check your local LHA rate. they would only be able to claim for a room in a shared house. if it is within the LHA limit, the rent would be covered. if not they would have to 'top it up' themselves.

stephyt23

Thank you for your help.

Oldernotwiser

stephyt23 wrote: »

Their parents, they've not had to pay rent living with them. It was their dad they were living with until a problem has arisen which has meant they have moved back in with their mom on a temporary basis while something more suitable comes along.

To get help with HB/LHA/CTB wouldn't they need to be in a house first?

I really meant why haven't they been claiming JSA?

stephyt23

Oh right, because it seems there was an issue also surrounding the job they've come out of over the last two days. Since posting this earlier it looks like the friend is going to see if they can get their old job back as they left on good terms so may not need to claim JSA