Housing benefit living in spare room at dad's

Kimmybbz89

Hi all I'm looking for some advice after a 11 year relationship living away from my family and friends it's ended and now I'm forced to live back around where I grew up and where all my family and friends are my dad is putting me up while I'm registered as homeless and searching for private landlords and are awaiting on hearing about supported housing but asking for £50 a week rent which is reasonable but I'm wondering if I'd be entitled to housing benefit to pay for it ? I get esa thanks very much in advance

Norman_Castle

£50 to pay to your dad to live in his home?

ashe

Zero chance for obvious reasons that everyone would ‘tent’ Out to their kids if this was possible.

It’s harsh but expected that family will put you up in times of need

teddysmum

Also, especially as you are living with a relative, you are not and will not be considered as homeless.

Kimmybbz89

I'm considered sofa surfing as my dad has no bedroom to offer me !

trevormax

You have no tenancy or lodge agreement, since you are living in a family members house.
If you get a lodge agreement from your father, the benefits office will consider it a contrived lodge/tenancy (as in it was created for the sole purpose of claiming housing benefit)
Your father will likely have no proof that this room is being let out as a business let, likely because it is not a business for him and he has never let a room out before.

I'm confused when you say your father has no bedroom for you to stay in. The title of your post is "Housing benefit living in spare room at dad's". What is this spare room if not a bedroom?

I am sorry for your troubles, but you need to realise that the council and benefits people (and the council tax perople for that matter) are pretty ruthless when it comes to these things.

They will pretty much, 100% NOT pay you a penny of housing benefits for this.
If you say you are staying in a spare room at your fathers, they will not consider you homeless, or will consider your case to be of very low priority, when compared to Joe Bloggs who has just been kicked out of his house for x reason and has no where to stay.

If your father was living alone, and claiming 25% council tax discount, he will also need to notify council tax as he loses that discount (unless you are a student?)

If your father is claiming housing benefit, you living there may also affect how much benefit he is entitled to.

Pixie5740

According to Shelter you can't claim housing benefit for rent you pay to live with a close family member such as a parent.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/housing_benefit/housing_benefit_renting_from_family

Kimmybbz89

My dad has a box room but not big enough for a bed so currently just has my stuff in it ( well what I have ) thankyou for your sensitivity as you can imagine it's not easy and I've come here for a none judgmental ear just to ask my question but I think I understand better my benefits are just gonna need to stretch a bit further to cover the cost of staying here

BorisThomson

Have you checked if you are entitled to PIP? If you have a need for supported housing it's quite likely you will qualify.

pmlindyloo

Have you registered as homeless at your local council?

New legislation coming into effect in April this year means that all local authorities will have to provide housing advice to people who are homeless. They should be gearing up to this now so may be more likely to offer some advice than previously for single working age men.

There are schemes in place to help with deposits and rent in advance through your local authority.

I do not know the extent of your disabilities but you mention supported housing. Are the local authority involved with this? The LA already should have support in place for vulnerable people.

One difficulty is that you have a place to stay but sounds as if it is not really suitable long term. At least this will give you time to get things sorted.

Do you meet the PIP descriptors?

You do not state your age but if you go the private renting route then if under 35 then you would have to look at sharing accommodation. If you were awarded the daily living component of PIP then you would be entitled to the one bed rate of housing benefit instead of the shared room rate.

So look at PIP and see if you meet the criteria.

Plus, you could go to CAB. They may have some suggestions about alternative accommodation in your area. Unfortunately there is little available in most areas for single working age men but your area may be different.

Kimmybbz89

I've had one interview with supported housing and another on Monday ( which is my opinion is a positive ) there moving things quickly I get pip yes which helps tremendously I don't think my dad is expecting board because of the short stay I will just chip in with food money ! I've been told that the supported housing shared country Manor House with individual rooms and two shared bathrooms will mainly be covered by housing benefit just a top up of £15.80 weekly to cover gas electric water and Tv liscence which is very reasonable I just hope I get the placement as I need some independence back !