Housing benefit query

footyfred

Hello and nice to be here.

I'm a 65 years old male and on UC, I was made redundant a couple of years ago and I'm struggling to find a job.

I've been given an eviction notice, not through any fault of my own but because my landlord hasnt paid his mortgage and the bank has taken control of the property. As you can imagine trying to find a property to move into is dfficult given my circumstances.

My best friend is a woman but who I am not in a romantic relationship with, currently lives in a flat but is so concerned about my situation that she said she would be prepared to rent a house and share it with me.

My question is can I claim housing benefit for my share of the house? She is employed but I wouldnt feel right about not contributing my share of the rent. Also, can I be on the tenancy agreement given my unemployed status?

Thanks for any advice.

Murphybear

The first thing you need to do is talk to Shelter urgently.  The rules on what happens to the tenant if the mortgage company repossesses the property are not simple or straightforward.  You will need to find out if the landlord has a buy to let mortgage as that can make a difference.  There is a very helpful article on the Shelter website about this, they are the experts.  

poppy12345

To answer your questions, you can't claim housing benefit to help with the rent because you're claiming UC. You can claim for help with the rent through your UC as you currently do now, this is called housing element. You will need to report the changes on your journal if/when you move into the new property.

Yes, you can still be named on the tenancy agreement, claiming benefits doesn't mean you can't. However, there maybe issues find a landlord that will accept you as a tenant because you're a benefit claimant.

footyfred

Thanks chaps, good news about the housing element I wasn't sure if I would be eligible in a house share.
I'll take a look at the Shelter site.
Cheers

footyfred

I've tried to ring Shelter numerous times today and just can't get through and there doesn't appear to be a working e-mail link to contact them that way.

footyfred

Just another point regarding my eviction.
I contacted the local council  and got an appointment with the housing officer who said he would try and source a property for me as I am 64 and have no financial resources.
I informed him at the time that I have a condition called hyeracusis which is a quite unpleasant aversion to noise.
He sent me to look at 2 flats 7 weeks ago, one on a main road with neighbours above, below and to the side and one practically on an industrial estate. I protested about this and he said I would have to add it to my medical form which he would send out.
After reminding him 3 times within 3 weeks by e-mail I rang him and he said he'd sent it out. When I checked if he had my correct address he told me a different address (great for a housing officer, right?) At this point I asked the CAB to be my advocate in this,
they contacted him and he promised them faithfully the form would be with me by the lates Wed 7th December and it is still not here now on the 10th.
I think the housing officer is simply taking the !!!!!! now and I want to put a complaint in about him, he's obviously not going to help in finding a property for me by my eviction date which is the 18th December, if at all

Any thoughts on this please? Thanks.

poppy12345

The postal strikes are causing huge backlogs of mail so i'm not at all surprised that you haven't received the last form they sent you. Yesterday was another strike day, with another 3 planned for the week. You can see all other days here. https://www.royalmail.com/latest-news

poppy12345

Just wanted to add further, taking into consideration your urgent need for housing you may have no choice but to take what is offered considering the shortage of housing availability across the country. If you continue to refuse they may decide not to help you further.

TimSynths

footyfred said:

I've tried to ring Shelter numerous times today and just can't get through and there doesn't appear to be a working e-mail link to contact them that way.

Homelessness charity Shelter’s staff start ‘unprecedented’ two-week strike | Charities | The Guardian

They are all down 'spoons!

Murphybear

footyfred said:

Just another point regarding my eviction.
I contacted the local council  and got an appointment with the housing officer who said he would try and source a property for me as I am 64 and have no financial resources.
I informed him at the time that I have a condition called hyeracusis which is a quite unpleasant aversion to noise.
He sent me to look at 2 flats 7 weeks ago, one on a main road with neighbours above, below and to the side and one practically on an industrial estate. I protested about this and he said I would have to add it to my medical form which he would send out.
After reminding him 3 times within 3 weeks by e-mail I rang him and he said he'd sent it out. When I checked if he had my correct address he told me a different address (great for a housing officer, right?) At this point I asked the CAB to be my advocate in this,
they contacted him and he promised them faithfully the form would be with me by the lates Wed 7th December and it is still not here now on the 10th.
I think the housing officer is simply taking the !!!!!! now and I want to put a complaint in about him, he's obviously not going to help in finding a property for me by my eviction date which is the 18th December, if at all

Any thoughts on this please? Thanks.

Firstly, you don’t have to leave your property on the 18th.  Just stay put.  

Have you thought about looking at sheltered housing?  There are many HA properties for the over 55/60s and they are easier to get than those available for everyone.  We live in one, there are 33 flats and a big communal lounge.  We have an on site manager who sorts our any problems.  The rents are lower than private housing and housing benefit is welcomed.  There is no danger of the properties being sold and evictions are very rare, any problems with the rent and the HA will try and sort it out first.

Our building is very quiet, we hear very little noise.  It can be very sociable, you can join in events and make friends or keep yourself to yourself.  We’re having a Christmas party next week 

ps we only pay £7,50 a year for our tv licences 

sheramber

Royal Mail are prioritising parcels and tracked items over letters, which they deliver at a loss.

Last posting dates for Christmas have been brought forward due to this so letters are taking loner to be delivered.

Unfortunately, the council cannot provide what they do not have. If they have no empty flats that are suitable for you they cannot manufacturer one.

I wish you well in your quest.