ASD and Appointee

w06

that's a fab update, I've been wondering how you're getting on. You sound much much 'stronger', for want of a better word, than you did when you first posted.

well done OP, you've pulled things together so well

Ames

That's fantastic, I'm really pleased things are looking so positive for you. You've grown and become so much stronger since your first post.

MyLonelyWorld

I've been told I'll have to switch over to Universal Credit to be able to apply for Housing Benefit. Does anyone know if that'll affect what I'll be receiving in terms of money? And if it'll be backdated?

pmlindyloo

MyLonelyWorld wrote: »

I've been told I'll have to switch over to Universal Credit to be able to apply for Housing Benefit. Does anyone know if that'll affect what I'll be receiving in terms of money? And if it'll be backdated?

According to this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-rented-housing--2/universal-credit-and-rented-housing-guide-for-landlords

If you are given a place in supported housing you would have to claim Housing Benefit for your housing costs.

I really would not worry too much about this. Your social worker or the manager at the supported housing will help you with any benefit issues.

w06

As pmlindyloo says really don't worry about it, claim it as soon as you have a tenancy agreement and the wheels will turn and transfer you. Assuming you weren't receiving severe disability premium living with your Nan you'll be on approximately the same amount as ESA, plus housing costs. You may find universal credit better for you, easier to manage, because there's an online journal where you can ask questions, I like it as a system.

Are things going ok?

MyLonelyWorld

I briefly spoke to my support worker about it this morning, and she said it might be a little less. I tried out one of those Universal Credit calculators which gave results similar to what I currently receive, so I hope that's how things will work out. That being said, I've heard many horror stories about Universal Credit.

Are things going ok?

Sure, but there have been a couple of minor setbacks along the way:

My inital housing application with the council was 'lost', so I had to reapply several weeks after originally applying - restarting the 6-8 weeks required to process my application.

I applied for a provisional license (primarily for ID, but with the possibility of learning to drive in the near future), but it was rejected because I hadn't supplied a copy of a letter with my NI number on. I sent that back the same day I received it, and should hopefully receive it by the beginning of June.

From the looks of things, my assessment with my support worker/enablement team has come to an end, and they know what areas I'll need supporting in - mainly motivation (for depression) and social support. There is concern that I will become socially isolated once I gain my own tenancy.

In the meantime, they are trying to find things for me to do. I had an informal introduction to a team that helps support individuals with special needs/disabilities/mental health get into some part-time work.
This morning I went to visit a local community centre that had a small and quiet gym area. I'm going again next week for an introduction session.

I'm supposed to be having a meeting with my support worker and social worker soon, so hopefully there will be better news to report.

w06

That sounds really positive progress. There were issues but you've navigated through them and found the right people ot help you.

The gym sounds good. Will you be able to have pets with your new tenancy? I remember you talked about your pets before, that might be something to think about if you can afford it, a rescued dog or cat might help you and you'd be helping them, I know I'd be lost without my 4 legged family.

MyLonelyWorld

I haven't been offered anything yet, so I don't know. I do know the flats I went to see a few weeks ago don't allow pets.

I do think if I were able to have pets, it'd be something I'd do in the distant future. I'm very much a 'pet is for life' person, but I don't believe I'm mature enough to accept such a responsibility right now.

w06

but that in itself is a very mature decision! here's something to make you smile https://youtu.be/FEGVkP7Qxd0, my boys

w06

In fact thinking about it that's perhaps something that you could explore in terms of volunteering, animal rescues often need volunteers for all sorts of things from walking dogs to admin and fund raising