Housing Benefit Changes means underoccupation??

barnaby-bear

bloolagoon wrote: »

Sorry so you do or don't claim DLA for your child or children? It's rather confusing as people were helping then you said you get lower rate.

The experts seem to think you should be getting £240 a week - can you confirm if that's happening? IT's pretty hard to work out where there is slack in the budget without much info.

Anny_2

The eldest child is in receipt of DLA low rate care and the OP is exploring the option of applying for DLA for the little one.

I said before and say again a 'blanket policy' like this one is not fit for purpose. These medical needs should be taken into account - both of the children's sleep will be disrupted if they have to share and that will directly impact on the quality of their lives. With mum also having mental health issues the overall impact on the family could be extreme.

Having read the OP posts re- carers staying overnight on a regular basis perhaps there is an opportunity to claim for a room for the carer, so the boys 'in theory' share one bedroom and mum has one and one for the carer/carers - who continue to sleep on the sofa.

I am sure the social services etc are aware of the serious need for separate bedrooms, it appears they were informed by the school of the eldest being extremely tired due to sharing with the youngest while b/room was being decorated. That was only after 1 week...imagine the issues this could potentially cause if this was a long term occurrence. Surely social services can support this young woman in finding a way to resolve this situation without her having to use a large chunk of low rate DLA care of only £20.55...to fund what is obviously a 'need' for 3 beds rather than a 'choice' for 3 beds.

Not sure of the ins and outs of claiming a bedroom for a carer, but I am sure there are others here who know all the necessary criteria.

*LittleStar*

bloolagoon wrote: »

Sorry so you do or don't claim DLA for your child or children? It's rather confusing as people were helping then you said you get lower rate.

They both have difficulties I only get it at lower rate for the eldest but it is actually my little on whodoesn't recieve it that has MANY more problems : ( :A

*LittleStar*

Anny wrote: »

The eldest child is in receipt of DLA low rate care and the OP is exploring the option of applying for DLA for the little one.

I said before and say again a 'blanket policy' like this one is not fit for purpose. These medical needs should be taken into account - both of the children's sleep will be disrupted if they have to share and that will directly impact on the quality of their lives. With mum also having mental health issues the overall impact on the family could be extreme.

Having read the OP posts re- carers staying overnight on a regular basis perhaps there is an opportunity to claim for a room for the carer, so the boys 'in theory' share one bedroom and mum has one and one for the carer/carers - who continue to sleep on the sofa.

I am sure the social services etc are aware of the serious need for separate bedrooms, it appears they were informed by the school of the eldest being extremely tired due to sharing with the youngest while b/room was being decorated. That was only after 1 week...imagine the issues this could potentially cause if this was a long term occurrence. Surely social services can support this young woman in finding a way to resolve this situation without her having to use a large chunk of low rate DLA care of only £20.55...to fund what is obviously a 'need' for 3 beds rather than a 'choice' for 3 beds.

Not sure of the ins and outs of claiming a bedroom for a carer, but I am sure there are others here who know all the necessary criteria.

Both mine and childrens social workers are frustrated with the situation but it just takes time for them to write the letters required and look into the circumstances as they always seem so pressed for time(due to fact they have more cases they have to handle than they used to due to cuts) : / My children desperately need seperate rooms for exactly the reasons you said and more. If I don't get help with the extra rent I would proberly end up with arrears and with threat of eviction. But also I would have to start again with carpets, decor etc. Aswell as actual moving costs! Its a catch 22 situation! I have an old lady live next door to me in property all on her own. Im glad she can remain in the home she bought her children etc. up in, but it is also frustrating that the govenment are discriminating. Also the people who choose to remain in the benefit as they can't be asked to work, will proberley just have another child anyway so they meet the requirements!

Poppie68

I think this is a genuine case of need rather than want.

Maybe it will help if you gather as much evidence medical etc for both boys and present it to your housing authority, dont' know if it will help but worth a try?

Morlock

stiltwalker wrote: »

They don't need to as their rents are not anywhere near as high to begin with!!!!

If that is the objection, give housing benefit claimants entitlement to reduced LHA rates, by 20% for housing association and 30% for council housing properties, which are the average differences between market rent and social housing rent.

stiltwalker wrote: »

Add this to the secure tenancy social housing provides,and yes I know this is due to change somewhat but it's still better than 6 months and then being able to be served a S21 for no reason whatsoever and having to find a new bond and moving costs all over again.

The problem is not secure tenancies, but short, private lets, which should be addressed by giving private tenants more secure, longer tenancies, not reducing those in social housing.