no fixed abode for three months

chavlesssociety

Hello

following a family disagreement I found myself in a 'sofa surfing' situation ... staying a few nights at one friends house for a few nights, another freinds, (reluctantly) back at parents for the odd night. I was working full time but trying to save up for a deposit to rent a flat. Then to make matters worse I lost my job.
So here's my questions
1 - I have been told that if I manage to get a permanant address I can now claim housing benefit to see me over until I am back in work. But for previous addresses what do I put on a claim form (assuming this question is asked) - I have literally been 'no fixed abode'

2 - my main concern is that if I claim housing benefit and they ask about my previous addresses, I have no tangible evidence. The friends who have helped me out all claim some kiind of benefit (rent, council tax benefits) even though they work part time them selves. One of them , I paid a few times for electricity and gas (these are shown on my bank statements) and they are worried now in case I have to give their address as somewhere I stayed and they get in trouble for not informing the benefits people. I havent contributed to the house as apart from occasionally buying gas and electric.
I really hope their kindness isnt going to result in them getting in trouble - they never asked for any money from me - as I was working full time and at college two nights a week straight after work, I was literally in whoevers house I was staying at , sleep, then work again.
Sorry to go on, not really sure if Ive explained this properly

pmlindyloo

Just put 'no fixed abode' - sofa surfing - if the question is asked.

Also you can put where you were originally living.

You have been a guest at your friend's houses so there should be no problem regarding their benefits.

You will need to find a place to rent before you can claim HB so this should be your priority as finding somewhere without a job may be more difficult than you think.

Also remember that if you are under 35 you would only receive the shared accommodation rate of local housing allowance (HB) (look it up on your local council website) so you may be looking at being a lodger or finding a shared house.

Have you got money for the deposit and rent in advance?

chavlesssociety

Thanks for the info I think my parents will help with the deposit