Housing

sassy_one

Hi


Trying to find some information out for someone and we've not found it anywhere online or even a straight answer at that.


If you are homeless and living in say a guesthouse or such, can you claim HB for this ? Shelter website states you can but will find it incredibly difficult due to the information they'll ask which you won't be able to supply, such as tenancy. 
And other forums say that tried and they were treated as holiday accommodation which again it wasn't but they never reported back what the outcome was.


Any idea how they can get help with housing costs while trying to find a rental?
The rates of the place they've found would be covered by HB as it's just a basic guesthouse.

calcotti

Jacob_Jones said: Yes, the local council will definitely pay for homeless accommodation, such as hostels or guesthouses. 

Being placed as a homeless person in a guesthouse by the council is different to being in a guesthouse arranged yourself. I don’t think you will get help with the latter.

Possibly start with the council homelessness team. If you ring Shelter they may be able to advise.

marcia_

 Calcotti is right. This would only be paid if you were placed there by the homeless team and they will arrange payment with the owner it's not something you claim. 

calcotti

To confirm
https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit

You can make a new claim if:

• you’re living in temporary accommodation, such as a B&B arranged by your council