*Realistically* would I qualify for social housing?

Comstock

As a single man I assume I would be low priority, but here's my situation.

Basically I'm 41 years old and still house sharing. That isn't the end of the world, but nor is it great, especially having to share a bathroom and tiny kitchen with 4 strangers. I live in Derby, so unlike in London it is unusual to have to house share beyond about 30 at the most.

I work full time, but only earn minimum wage, and because I work for an employment agency I'm classed as a temporary worker.

I have mild mental health issues and depression, which I treat reasonably sucessfully with medication from my GP.

I'm not suggesting I'm a charity case, and plenty are worse off than me, but the thought of house sharing for the rest of my life does depress me terribly.

Does anyone have any advice at all. Is social housing something I could *realistically* persue? I'd be happy to spend a year or two on a waiting list if that meant I'd stand a chance,but there is no point applying if there is no realistic chance.

tomtontom

There's no reason why you could not apply and bid, but you'll be in a low priority category and there will always be people applying and placed ahead of you according to need. Why not look into ways of increasing your earning potential? That will give you far more scope to get your own place.

Old_Git

Comstock wrote: »

As a single man I assume I would be low priority, but here's my situation.

Basically I'm 41 years old and still house sharing. That isn't the end of the world, but nor is it great, especially having to share a bathroom and tiny kitchen with 4 strangers. I live in Derby, so unlike in London it is unusual to have to house share beyond about 30 at the most.

I work full time, but only earn minimum wage, and because I work for an employment agency I'm classed as a temporary worker.

I have mild mental health issues and depression, which I treat reasonably sucessfully with medication from my GP.

I'm not suggesting I'm a charity case, and plenty are worse off than me, but the thought of house sharing for the rest of my life does depress me terribly.

Does anyone have any advice at all. Is social housing something I could *realistically* persue? I'd be happy to spend a year or two on a waiting list if that meant I'd stand a chance,but there is no point applying if there is no realistic chance.

it depends on the waiting lists in your area .
There is no real reason why a single person cant get social housing
(I have done it ) however much will depend on the waiting list .
Ask the council see what they say

Ferryboat_Woman

The only way to find out is to make an appointment with Derby city council and ask.Different parts of the country have different waiting times so a three year wait could be five years in another part of the UK.I live in Derbyshire(a fairly low population area), quite separate from Derby city and I know for a fact single people can be housed within months if they are fairly flexible whereabouts they live...... however, expect a much longer wait for Derby or towns like Chesterfield.

tomtontom

Looking at the Derby Homefinder site, this week there are no properties you would be eligible to bid for - all the one beds are either emergency or housing need, or for over 55s. That's not to say that they don't become available, but there is not a ready supply.

missbiggles1

It might be worth considering neighbouring areas. A regular poster on here says there's masses of SH available in her area, which is IIRC, Bolsover.

PasturesNew

You have to be in it to win it .... so you might as well put your name down no matter what you think your chances are. It's free to keep playing .... so get your name down and play the waiting game.

If two people are equally "in with a chance" then it might come down to choosing the one that's been on the list longest.

Comstock

missbiggles1 wrote: »

It might be worth considering neighbouring areas. A regular poster on here says there's masses of SH available in her area, which is IIRC, Bolsover.

That's obviously worth a look, but don't they look for a local connection? How local is local in this case?

missbiggles1

Comstock wrote: »

That's obviously worth a look, but don't they look for a local connection? How local is local in this case?

Some do, some don't - there's no mention of it on the Bolsover websites.

http://www.bolsover.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/council-housing

http://www.bolsoverlettings.org.uk/Data/ASPPages/1/1815.aspx

HappyMJ

Comstock wrote: »

As a single man I assume I would be low priority, but here's my situation.

Basically I'm 41 years old and still house sharing. That isn't the end of the world, but nor is it great, especially having to share a bathroom and tiny kitchen with 4 strangers. I live in Derby, so unlike in London it is unusual to have to house share beyond about 30 at the most.

I work full time, but only earn minimum wage, and because I work for an employment agency I'm classed as a temporary worker.

I have mild mental health issues and depression, which I treat reasonably sucessfully with medication from my GP.

I'm not suggesting I'm a charity case, and plenty are worse off than me, but the thought of house sharing for the rest of my life does depress me terribly.

Does anyone have any advice at all. Is social housing something I could *realistically* persue? I'd be happy to spend a year or two on a waiting list if that meant I'd stand a chance,but there is no point applying if there is no realistic chance.

It would probably be longer on the waiting list.

If you're earning MW £6.70 per hour 37.5 hours per week and 52 weeks per year you would be earning £13,065 per year. Rental affordability calculations mean you should be earning 30 times the monthly rent so you could afford to rent a property at £435 per month. There is property at that price point in Derby. I live in Burton upon Trent (just south of Derby) and there's plenty of property here for that price. You do not need a permanent job to get a rental property you just need a history of regular income. You only need a few payslips, enough money to pay the first months rent, the fees and the deposit and no severe problems with your credit. i.e no unpaid CCJ's. The letting agent can't see any defaults or arrears that you might have and can't see how much outstanding debt you have. BR, IVA and DRO cases can be accepted by LL's as you won't have any debt repayments to make you will have more money to pay your rent with. If you've got someone who can guarantee the rent in the event of your non-payment then you will find it much easier to rent privately.

theartfullodger

You may well qualify - to go on the housing waiting list (apply & find out is your obvious next step: Costs nothing - well, not to you, but it costs the taxpayer to pay for the council to handle it.. and see what they say..)

But with Dave's lot there's probably zero chance, or less, of you being offered anywhere...

Welcome to Cameron's Britain...