Need to move out on housing benefit - HELP! :(

tripmonk

Hi everyone, wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction or give me some advice please?

I got made redundant 3 months ago, struggling to find a job (like the other 3 million), currently living with my parents and my partner (she is on employment support allowance as she's got medical problems which are being investigated at hospital).

Anyway, parents need me out asap to downsize due to financial squeeze. So- myself and partner need to move out and have found a flat for £480 a month that accepts housing benefit.

Called the benefits people and the amounts they're telling us wouldnt even cover two weeks so I'm just wondering how people manage to get private rented accommodation through the benefits system? We are a couple, and using the many different online calculators available we have found that we actually get more than if one of us claimed as a single person, all be it hardly any difference (£20 a month)!

As i mentioned before, my partner is quite poorly and unable to work and I am on JSA (income based) so would going on carer's allowance make any difference as she had trouble eating etc..

Any help or advice would be hugely appriciated.
Many thanks. Will

boobies

Does she receive DLA at MRC or HRC? If not, you will not be entitled to CA.

fluffymovie

If you are living together, should you not have a joint claim for benefit, Would you get ESA IR as a couple?

What is the LHA rate for a 1 bed in your area - if you aren't sure, check https://www.direct.gov.uk and look for LHA rates.

tripmonk

Hi thanks for the replies.

I have checked LHA for 1 bed and it says £98.08 (thats as a couple).

She isn't on DLA she is on ESA.. just not sure how to find the other £90 to cover rent, any suggestions?

boobies

If you are receiving the correct benefits you will need to look at your budgeting. The Debt Free Wannabe board would be a good place to get help with that.

Caz3121

tripmonk wrote: »

I have checked LHA for 1 bed and it says £98.08 (thats as a couple).

She isn't on DLA she is on ESA.. just not sure how to find the other £90 to cover rent, any suggestions?

£98.08 per week is £425 per month, the difference needs to come from your benefits or you need to find somewhere cheaper I am afraid

RAS

Do you have any redundancy payment that you could put away to cover the difference? You would need £660 to cover the year's rental.

missmontana

If you work out the costs over a year, you actually get £425 pcm in LHA, so you'd only have to find £55 a month extra.
Have you looked at all your incomings and outgoings to see if you could find this money? Or maybe a shared flat/house might be a cheaper option?


Oh, someone else is on the ball aswell Caz!

dseventy

tripmonk wrote: »

Hi everyone, wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction or give me some advice please?

I got made redundant 3 months ago, struggling to find a job (like the other 3 million), currently living with my parents and my partner (she is on employment support allowance as she's got medical problems which are being investigated at hospital).

Anyway, parents need me out asap to downsize due to financial squeeze. So- myself and partner need to move out and have found a flat for £480 a month that accepts housing benefit.

Called the benefits people and the amounts they're telling us wouldnt even cover two weeks so I'm just wondering how people manage to get private rented accommodation through the benefits system? We are a couple, and using the many different online calculators available we have found that we actually get more than if one of us claimed as a single person, all be it hardly any difference (£20 a month)!

As i mentioned before, my partner is quite poorly and unable to work and I am on JSA (income based) so would going on carer's allowance make any difference as she had trouble eating etc..

Any help or advice would be hugely appriciated.
Many thanks. Will

Wherever a houshold has no income and no-one works, finding somewhere to live and paying the expenses is going to be difficult.

Have you spoke to your parents about your predicament?

Other options include looking for a shared house. Ie you get your bedroom but have shared kitchen/lounge etc.

D70

Caz3121

dseventy wrote: »

Other options include looking for a shared house. Ie you get your bedroom but have shared kitchen/lounge etc.

D70

which is good advice, especially if you are moving out for the first time. Even if you get your rent and council tax paid, do not underestimate household bills and you would end up with most of your benefits gone on bills

karenx

As your looking for a job you know this isnt long term and once you have a job you will be able to afford the rent soon