Moving On.....

PaperPants

Evening

Please can some one give me some advice on the following as I am struggling to understand the minefield related to applying for a council house and benefits I will be entitled to......

Background:
Living with ex partner in his house. I do not have any legal tie with the property and have no financial input. Moved in 3 years ago when fell pregnant and after giving it a try, we have decided to go separate ways. We currently sleep in separate rooms, and have been 'separated' for some time but just continued to reside together.

I have applied through the local council for a house - awaiting number to 'bid' on the properties they release once every fortnight.

My application was handed in last week. I have been informed that it will be late Jan 2011 before I get my number.

Arrangement:
We are splitting on amicable terms, and my ex will see our son, where our son will stay regularly overnight with him.
His house has been on the market for some time, so will eventually move out also.

I would really appreciate help on trying to understand if there is any way I can increase my chances of gaining a council property as soon as possible after my bidding number is released. Like I said earlier in post, it is amicable separation but for sanity it is easier to move on sooner rather than drag it out longer.

I have completed an entitledto and dwp.gov calculator, and understand a little about what kind of benefits I may get.

FYI, I work 16 hours a week self employed. Earn 6k a year. Our little boy is 2 years and a half and goes to nursery two days a week. For 20 hours in total. Rate - 38 pounds a day. At 3 he will get 15 hours a week paid in benefit for nursery (I think every 3 year old gets this??) This will start Sept 1st. I am 28.

Please, I am not looking for posts that criticize either myself or my ex partner and would really like some good advice.

Any help would be great. thanks

dmg24

You haven't said what it is that you need to know? You will be entitled to WTC, CTC, CB and some LHA/ HB and CTB.

Oldernotwiser

It does depend on area but many people have to wait years for a council property.

PaperPants

Thanks dmg24.

I think I saw most of those on the calculator tools. The council tax benefit I wasn't 100% sure about - will this be the same as a single person reduction as there will be just myself and our son in the house?

As my ex is selling and could possibly complete within 8 weeks of any sale (prob not going to happen overnight given the market) how would I currently be considered with the council - priority or less urgent than say someone who was homeless now? Can I become a high priority given my circumstances? Thats really what I need to know.

Thanks again

marywooyeah

she wants to know if there is a way that she can increase her chances of getting a council house once she is able to bid for one.
OP, I believe that as you have a child and a low income that this will in itself be a factor which will increase your chances, however I have never been through the process myself but am sure someone will be along soon who has and can advise you further.
good luck and I wish you well with your move x