council flat homeless, pls help

happy_winner

Dear All,
My luck is not getting better and I hope to get some of your tips in my messy life.
Here is my story. My husband and I separated last year, he moved out. Everything was OK until I lost my job in March, I had a few interviews and was hoping to get a job. I am using my savings, but running out of money. My landlord gave 2 months (a month is gone) to vacate the flat and just found out it is not his it is a council flat.
I am at present address over 3 years and was paying to the landlord, but we never had a tenancy agreement as my ex was dealing with him. In a month if I don't find a job I am on the verge in becoming homeless. No savings, no job and no deposit to rent a place. Today in addition to my situation I twisted my ankle on my way for an interview, I am in agony and god knows how long I will be in pain.
I know I qualify for JSA, but not sure about the house benefits.
Can I be thrown out in my situation? I never hide, being over 50 I even applied for housing, but was refused because I don't live in the area for 5 years.
Please if you have any suggestions let me know.

Many thanks
Not a very happy Winner :-(

GreyQueen

Go, as in today if possible, to your local council and ask to see one of their housing advisers. There's a lot of demand on them; go first thing if you can.

Take anything you have pertaining to paying rent at your address; tenancy agreement (if you have one), bank statements showing rent being paid/ rent book, proof that you are billed for council tax at that address, letters/ signing on cards related to your unemployment, utility bills/ bank statements showing you living there.

It's a knotty problem but nothing they won't have seen before.

harrys_dad

It sounds to me that your "landlord" has been illegally sub letting the property to you. You need to get some specialist advice and could consider ringing Shelter on http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

pmlindyloo

You are allowed to have up to £16000 savings and still apply for Housing Benefit, JSA and Council Tax support.

You need to apply for JSA straight away. If you have been working during the last few years then you will probably be entitled to contribution based JSA (based on your NI contributions) which does not take into account any savings/income.

Even if you haven't got sufficient NI contributions then you will be eligible for income based JSA.

You can apply online. Apply to be assessed for both contribution based and income based.

Also apply for Housing Benefit and council tax reduction.

If you have any savings left then you need to use these for a deposit on a one bed privately owned flat. You will be entitled to the local housing allowance for a one bed place. You can look up the maximum amount they will pay you on your local council website. You can rent a place that is more than the LHA but you would have to find the extra yourself.

As already suggested go to your local housing/council office with your documents and speak to them about your situation.

From the sounds of it you should have put in a claim for JSA some time ago so get cracking with this.

Good luck.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Do NOT pay your landlord any further rent. The flat is not his to rent.

Dogger69

OP, can you clarify your situation please?

happy_winner wrote: »

Dear all,

I have a very complicate situation and hope your tips, replies will give me some direction. I separated from my husband and was trying to get back on my feet, but two months ago lost my job. I am living with a friend she was nice enough to accommodate me during the break-up, however I need to move out due to her personal crises.
I applied all councils, but they suggested to register with local authorities. I tried to register with local council for some sort of housing, but was refused because I don't live in the are for 5 years. I am banging my head against the wall and don't know what to do.
Since I never paid the rent I didn't claim house benefits, only JSA.
I am 55 years and wondering if there is any assistance outhere for me in order being homeless.
All your information would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Are you lodging with your friend, as stated above, or are they sub letting the property to you?

happy_winner

Dear all,

Thank you for your replies. Last night I did apply for JSA and checked the box for housing as well. I will wait for my appointment and will be honest with them telling my housing situation. A few days ago I went local council but they said to see my social worker which I don't have yet.
My savings are gone, I have only a month rent that all, pretty sad.
My head is spinning. If I move to shelter to start with does the council help to re-house later?

Many thanks

BigAunty

happy_winner wrote: »

... If I move to shelter to start with does the council help to re-house later?

The Shelter website explains the homelessness process which varies between England and Scotland (for example, there is no obligation to provide social housing and limited support for single people in England compared to Scotland). They may have a local drop in office, they have an emergency number for the homeless (which is anyone with insecurity of tenure past 28 days, you don't need to be on the street to be classed as homeless).

Your local council website will also publish details about its homelessness service. Generally, they urge people to come to them as soon as they are potentially homeless rather than further advanced than this.

I'm surprised they've put off your appointment and made it conditional on having a social worker - speak to Shelter about this as local councils are notorious for pushing back on homelessness applicants and not meeting their statutory, legal obligations. Shelter will advise you how the council is supposed to be treating you rather than the service you may now be getting. Don't be fobbed off - sounds like you already are as many councils have a drop-in same day service for homeless candidates and should accept a homelessness application to process without any conditions/delay.

nicnak66

how did you pay your rent to this man? can you prove he has had these payments from you?

dont give him another penny. if you know his full name, dob and where he is currently living report him for fraud.

check what your local housing allowance is in the area you live in. do you have children under 18 or are you on your own now?

Poppie68

Another strange post...a week or so ago the OP has been living with a friend during the break up, and the break up was a year ago..but was having to move out due to her friends personal problems.