Worried sick, put in impossible situation

gf3978114

I really need reassurance that i wont be put in the inhumane situation im about to tell you about. Backround info is Im estranged from my parents and am living in homeless housing I get about £500 a month benefits  to live on and could be facing moving into an empty house in a few weeks time with no electricity or gas connection and nothing but the walls surrounding me and the thought that im expected to do that is destroying me i actually feel ill worrying about it and have been pulling my hair out. If it comes to that I cant go i dont know how id survive thats why.
They already know what would happen but have said they cant award anything until ive officially signed for the tenancy but the thing is the house is almost 6 hours away so its not as though I would have anywhere to stay while things are put in place so where would that leave me.
First of all they havent made a formal decision yet while they verify my information  but I put in my application 5 weeks ago and have less than 2 weeks until im due to get the keys so they cant keep drawing this out? Ive also been advised by my housing officer who speaks to them that they believe my costs are excessive and I couldve saved up to pay for things and they are probably going to refuse me 

HampshireH

What is the inhumane situation?

Gas and electric - at least electric (if not heated by gas) would need to have a connected for the local authority to house you there. If a prepayment if would need putting into your name and topping up (never top up an existing card always put the accin your name first then do it so you don't pay someone's debt)

What are you spending on that they deem excessive 

elsien

Who are “they?”

gf3978114

The people who issue the community care grant

Emmia

What are your "excessive costs" that might mean refusal?

powerspowers

The gas and electric should be connected on the day you get the keys.
 

It sounds like you waiting for a furniture grant from either a charity or a council scheme? There can often be a wait for these. If you are declined, ask your housing worker to help you appeal. 

if you haven’t got anywhere to stay whilst waiting for the grant, you may find yourself camping out at the property with nothing which I agree isn’t acceptable. It is common though. 

Ask your housing provider if they can let you stay at the current place until the grant is sorted. You can claim housing benefit on 2 properties in some cases. If they have a waiting list for the supported housing they might not accommodate you, but they should at least be pushing the council/charity to speed up the decision. 

Im sorry you are in this position. It’ll be worth it once you have everything sorted in your own place. 

elsien

You don’t need a huge amount of stuff to start with. And you can pick up a load of stuff off the free sites. 

Camping mattress, camping chair and a microwave would do as a starting point once you’ve got the utilities sorted. 

How come you’re being re-house so far away? Local connections?

gf3978114

Im being housed further away by my own choice as its a better area and i left abuse so i had choice as to where  i go but i didnt realise this would be an implication of it ive been through a lot but i never imagined someone out there would see me put in a situation like that with nothing. The area ill be moving to is small and doesnt have freecycle ill be honest when i get there ill want to go to bed its a long journey and I wish i knew how to prepare for it so im not worrying about it

gf3978114

My highest costs are food cos i rely on convenience foods a lot from disability  thats why its higher 

HampshireH

I'm really confused (sorry)

You say you have chosen to move to the area (ok that's good). You would need to buy your own things, approach charities in the area or take stuff with you. Your resettlement worker (housing officer) should be able to signpost

Speak to social services they may be able to help. 

Bulk cook and freeze in portions. Don't rely on convenience food. You can make hearty meals in bulk 

comeandgo

There will be local facebook recycling pages where you can pick up items cheap.  Are there any charities attached to your disability you could contact, they may be able to help.  Once you are in your new place find where the food banks are.  To help you cook look on youtube or go to library and pick up some recipe books.