Debt/Housing situation

kimi1977

Not sure if I am posting this in the correct part of the forum, so please forgive me if not.

There might be a straight forward answer to this/I can't see the wood for the trees. I am in a bit of a tricky situation after a couple of very tough years (loss of business, relationship and bad health issues)

Rather than an evaluation /SOA i am seeking some form of self assurance due to my living situation.

I currently live with relatives due to low income/debt but do want to find somewhere to live soon, as I am 39 and need to get back on my own 2 feet again. Also I really need to find somewhere by April due to relatives also moving/scaling down by then.

Negatives
£16k of credit card debt (no loans)
business debt (8k)which i currently pay off at £140 a month
£200 month car payment (until next june)

Positives
I have long term part time IT contract work (from home) that brings in about £800 month inc tax credits.
After months of search for working, I have had recent interviews and managed to secure an extra £250 month from Feb for IT, but would really like to find a full time salary to afford my own place.
around £1500 savings in building society

I understand if I had no debt at all, I could afford somewhere 1 bed to live 400-500 month in my area, but the cards/overhang of debt make me nervous about commiting to somewhere until I secure further work.

I doubt I would get housing benefit help due to my income level, and my daugher who is 4 no longer lives with me due the the relationship ending. So as a single person I am not sure what options are available to me.

I guess on face value you could say "get stuck in find any work, supermarket work, to use the money for rent"
After the health issues, immune system problems which left me bed bound in 2015 for many months, I am a bit nervous, lack the confidence for full on 'get off my bum' work as many hours as possible, as it was stress that triggered off my health problems partly to begin with, so I am slowly trying to sail a steady ship and gradually get back up to speed. The relationship ending also knocked the wind out of my sails and caused depression, which I am slowly getting to grips with.

As I currently reside in the middle of nowhere, should I use my savings to relocate, or keep plodding on looking for work and driving for interviews.
I did think about an IVA, but should I risk !!!!!!ing up my credit rating, when months from now I may secure further work.

Has anyone been in this position where they have a basic income but debt prevents them from renting? If anyone has some clear suggestions I would appreciate it. I have been registered with the local housing association for a year, but nothing has cropped up yet, and I would prefer to rent myself If I can.

Perryface

If you need to be out by April, I would rent a room in a shared house initially, until you secure more income (concentrate on paying off your credit cards as much as possible) and re-evaluate your position in 12 months time.

kimi1977

Thanks for your reply.
No definite date yet to move by, but I aim to have somewhere of my own at least by Apr. Just for my own space. Yes paying down high interest is part of the reason for staying with relatives thus far.
If i do rent/share I want to be sure of work there first.

Fireflyaway

Why not get a job outside the house so you know you have a fixed income to work with ( prob would be more than you make now too). Getting out and about could boost your confidence too. You can always do the IT stuff later or do a bit on the side if time permits.
Make sure you have a written budget to work to.
I agree renting a room would be a good first step and once you are settled then start looking to rent your own place. Maybe once you have been in your job a while and the car payment has gone?

datlex

OP you should go on the entitled to website to see what tax credits and or benefits you are entitled to. Also go to the local housing office and register- everyone is entitled to register regardless of whether you earn minimum wage on a zero hours contract or are a billionaire. How easy it is to get accommodation does vary upon area of the country. When you register you go into the least needy band, you can then move up into higher bands if you meet criteria.

kimi1977

Outside the house jobs I have applied for/put into motion before my relationship ended year ago, 12 interviews, many applications but nothing seems to materialise, the development jobs i apply for seem to think ive been working for myself long enough so question why i would want to for someone else and the basic jobs (admin, office work) think my CV is too skilled for basic stuff, so after year or so of looking not found anyone to take me out full time out the house. Still looking , applying.
Given my age / position in life the sector i work in, i might have missed the boat/been off track too long.
Which is why i questioned moving to different area