Eligibilty for Social Housing

sandie11_2

I really need to move house to be near to my mum, who is in her 80's, has a lot of health problems and is becoming very depressed on her own. I go as often as possible but it's costing a fortune with it being a long distance.

I would like to move near to her and was thinking about applying for housing with a housing association or the council. I am currently in a privately rented house but it would be difficult to move due to bad credit history.
I am just thinking is there any point in applying, especially if you go on a waiting list for years.
It's quite urgent, she needs help with shopping, hospital appointments, everything really.

Henriettaah

Has she been assessed by social services yet ??

sandie11_2

No but she is living in sheltered housing, there is no help just a warden who calls each day to check they are ok.

Henriettaah

First things first thinking about your mum's immediate social needs - contact your local council adult social services and ask for an assessment of need - which she is entitled to by law.

McKneff

Could you rent privately and have her live with you if all the above cant be achieved.

sandie11_2

Private renting is not secure enough, they can give you notice at any time, so it's not something I would consider with someone who is old and ill. It would be different if I had somewhere permanant to live.

Thanks anyway, I will have to look at the options a bit more.

squinty

OP there is no simple answer to your question. Demand for social housing varies dramatically between areas, and type of property (the bedroom tax has meant that some areas have family houses that are difficult to let).

The policies of each council also vary, some are more restrictive and limit applications from outside their area, others are more open.

Your best bet would be to contact the local council and ask what your chances are !

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Private renting would be your only option as tbh despite what people think its not an immediate need

theartfullodger

Each council has it's own policy on allocation of council & housing association property. Most HAs do housing allocation jointly with the local council.

Look at the local council housing allocation policy, read it carefully & work out if you stand a chance or not. Nothing to stop you applying in mum's area - or other local councils. Be aware you may not be allowed onto to waiting list, if you are you may be in a low priority band and for any band may wait years anyway. Further Dave Cameron has changed the rules so you being offered a private letting & saying no may mean you are chucked off the waiting list: completely.

Life ain't fair : Sorry.

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

I dont think its about being fair.
You have a home, you want to be close to your mum fair enough, but social housing isnt there for that, nor should it be. Just get yourself another privately rented house if you want to move. Dont expect to do it the "public sector"

Why not get your mum to come and live with you!

pmlindyloo

Do you intend to apply for Carer's Allowance (google for more information) for your mum or would you be working full time and caring when you can?

The reason I ask is because as artfullodger says all councils have their own housing allocation policy> Maidstone, for example, gives a high priority to Carers (in receipt of Carer's Allowance) and where hardship might occur.

http://www.maidstone.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/12204/Allocation-Scheme-Policy-2013.pdf

I do think it is worth your speaking to your mum's local council about this as they have a duty to provide help/advice with housing issues

Also do get an assessment for your mum from social services and see what help they can provide.

Of course, private renting is another option but since you have bad credit this may be difficult.

Can you provide a landlord with 6 months rent up front or find a guarantor?

Personally I would be exploring all options in the hope that one of them comes off.