Leaving. Any secrets??.....

michael3429

Well I've now officially signed off and am due to leave this time next year but realistically because of terminal leave and resettlement etc I will be aimin for leaving around sept/oct

Just wondering if anyone knows any secrets. I heard from someone last week that when leaving, the local housing assosiations put you bottom of there list. They have managed to get someone to pay the first months rent and bond on a private rent.

Im really concerned about the housing situation so want to know as much about it as possible and if anybody knows the secrets of how to get things for the smallest of costs if not free.

Any free courses???

Pete268

The following link takes you to the Department of Communities and local Government Circular 2009 which spells out what housing provision Local Authorities and Housing Associations should offer to servicemen/women about to be discharged and also injured servicemen/women:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/1200095.pdf

Although you haven't mentioned your status (ie single, married/partnership/children etc) be aware that even with the provisions set out for servicemen/women, social housing is in very very short supply in most areas.

The shortage is also been exacerbated by the governments forthcoming legislation affecting those 'under occupying' (i.e. having more bedrooms than needed) in social housing having to pay more for their accommodation by a reduction in housing benefit. Thus people are, in a lot of cases, looking to downsize from 2 or 3 bedroomed properties to 1 or 2 bedroomed properties, commensurate with their family size (and thus remain on full housing benefit).

If you intend to rent privately and are looking to claim Local Housing Allowance, then be aware the Local Housing Allowance will only cover the rent for the cheapest 30% of properties in any given area. Also if you are single and under 35 years of age, from next month only the 'shared room' Local Housing Allowance will be paid.

The rates of Local Housing Allowance can be found on the following website (along with a calculator which assesses what size house house you need).

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_196239

Gonzo33

I saw these guys advertised on BFBS last night. Don't know if they are able to help but might be worth a nosey.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/Housing/

Maybe also contacting AFF, they will at least be able to point you in the right direction if the above post does not.

greytroot

If you were moving to Glasgow you could try these - http://sites.google.com/site/glasgowshelpingheroes/
They are a part of SSAFA.

JannerXI

There are some free courses if you've done long enough - have you tied in with the unit resettlement bloke yet?

Regards,

GlynD

Used to be that ex-forces went straight to the top of the housing list. Perhaps some areas still implement this? I took advantage of the clause when I left but that was some time ago plus Civvies are dead bone when it comes to what the forces are entitled to. Are you in touch with your OCA and the RBL - invaluable resources mate?

earthbound_misfit

My boyfriend recently left the forces. My advice is to save every penny you can until you leave. Don't know what your plans are but he's ended up on JSA and it's been a big shock after his previous income...
Hope it all goes well and doing courses etc sounds like a great idea - if you end up unemployed for any length of time there are many courses free to those on benefits, afraid I can't advise any more about forces specific ones though

GlynD

Nobody thinks about buying a house when they're having a good time as a singlie eh? We were all guilty of that

System

GlynD wrote: »

Used to be that ex-forces went straight to the top of the housing list.

They get higher up the queue than a civvie in the same situation.. However, the only difference it makes is that you might get a house within 10 years instead of 30.
There are too many groups of other entitled people who can leapfrog you and stop you getting anywhere near the top of the queue

GlynD

!!!!!! wrote: »

They get higher up the queue than a civvie in the same situation.. However, the only difference it makes is that you might get a house within 10 years instead of 30.
There are too many groups of other entitled people who can leapfrog you and stop you getting anywhere near the top of the queue

I know that this was under review and that some council areas still offer top of the list for ex-forces. Sadly not all.