Social Housing Application Advise

jasonbudd1984

Hi

I am trying to help a close friend with their housing situation.
In the past I have helped them with their DLA application and other benefits. With some searching we were able to find lots of information and guidance about how to these applications, and frankly without it the awards he has now simply would not be in place.

Ever different area has a different system for the housing association/council housing allocation, I realise and I’m sure there are lots of other factors. However, is there anywhere that information or advice about this can be sought from a making-the-best application perspective? As with the DLA I am really not trying to cheat the system, just work out how best to provide the information required.

The major issue is over the prioritisation and the 'banding' that is then provided for him. I can go into detail if needed, but essentially he has arthritis and a heart condition and his housing just isn’t suitable presently due to having fair to many steps for him to cope with. With all the changes happening it would also be far better for his mental health (bi-polar and chronic anxiety) if he were in social housing rather than in the private market.

Any ideas?

dizziblonde1

Hi Jasonbud1984,

Im a newbie myself but used to work in the social housing sector so i know a little bit about it. The best advice i can give you is to fill out the form and provide as much medical information as possible. Give them details of the best and worst case scenario regarding the stairs ie on a good day its......? on a bad day its........?

You also need to provide evidentiary support of the health problems such as GP letters/Occupational Therapist/Counsellor/CPN/Psychotherapist/Hospital consultant and any other health care provider your friend receives care from.

You need to make it clear why your friend's current property is not suitable and how a change of property would improve things.

I wish you all the best with this.

jasonbudd1984

pertob have you ever actually filled out a DLA application? I wish the system was as simple and as just as you just suggest, but as you will see from all the posts surrounding such it is a very complex area and lots of the information is reviewed in certain ways that does mean that in order to make the best, while entirely honest, application you simply have to understand the system the application is working as part of. I am asking whether there is any such similar advise when it comes to social housing applications. The individual in question is also very vulnerable and his condition may well signifigantly get worse over the coming years, housing associations have a duty of care to respond and assist with all such cases in a better fashion than they private market, the rental agreements are for longer and the whole situation is insulation from various issues surrounding housing benefit changes like the room-rate increase to the age of 35 (which the individual is presently not restricted by due to being on middle care dla, and so provided an exemption for: with both this award being granted and information even being known by using the guides and information sources out there).

dizziblonde1 thanks for your helpful and constructive reply, thats really useful.

Transformer

If need help with official forms, welfare rights if have one near you or cab(sometimes they have amalgamated due to fund cuts) are great.

I will be using them soon for my dla reknewal as I always panic filling it in to extent I put it off frightened I forget something, they have helped me for years, you just take proof of circumstance, explain how if affects you and they make sure all questions get informed response based on your reply.

Better than my confused double dutch due to failing memory I tend to write an essay if do it on my own, welfare rights just put relevant facts