Advice needed on disability benefits and accessible living

LCThomas123

hi
i am posting on behalf of a friend in need. To explain the current situation. They have deteriorating health, which has resulted in the need for a wheelchair when out of the home. They live in a privately owned flat, no mortgage, however it is a leasehold and despite multiple applications they have been denied permission to install a ramp. Currently they are heaving a very heavy wheelchair up a step into the flat which also has a very tight entrance and it is parked in the living area (there is no outdoor storage available). It is becoming more dangerous for this to continue as it is causing them more harm. 

The flat is at the very lowest end of the market in the area. They live 10-20mins from family and reluctant to leave the area due to the need for family support. So would they be entitled to any sort of council housing? They would be more than willing to pay money towards it from the sale of the flat. But I don’t know if this is even an option!? The other option is to move into an assisted living facility and essentially spend the money from the sale of the flat, until it runs out, but what would happen once this has run out, do the council then step in to pay?
It’s hard to find out all of this information so I’m hoping there are some helpful people who can give me a bit of advice and point me in the right direction to help my friend 

Rubyroobs

If they have to move to private rented accomodation and savings have fallen below a certain rate ( usually around 16k) then they would need to claim housing benefit. 
Some councils may accept them onto the council housing list but it may depend on the amount of savings they have. There is certainly no harm in enquiring.

Spoonie_Turtle

Is it at all possible to use a lightweight, non-permanent ramp just for getting the chair in and out?  (Not using it whilst sat in the chair because it needs to be definitely safe for that which a temporary or DIY ramp may not be.)

It might not be immediately obvious as a solution, especially if the person doesn't know anyone with DIY skills to build something lightweight - I don't know how heavy the aluminum ones for sale are - but it's definitely worth having a think and seeing if there is a solution in case it can go some way towards making things more manageable.

What kind of wheelchair is it, to be very heavy?

LCThomas123

Probably a silly question but if in private rented can you apply for housing benefit and remain in the existing property?
Sadly the directors representing the tenants have refused permission for all ramps. My friend isn’t physically able to lift and move a ramp in and out of the property so all options we’ve looked at are unsuitable. It’s a power wheelchair so it’s heavy (I think the battery is what makes it heavy). We’ve had a discreet wooden ramp made to make it possible to push the chair up and over the door step but it’s a steep slope and means it doesn’t need to be lifted up, but still heavy to bear the load due to the incline. There is also a risk it’ll be reported and removed by the management company.

poppy12345

New claims for housing benefit are only possible if they are over state pension age, or living in supported or temporary housing. Otherwise help with any rent would be through Universal Credit. 

As they own their own home they will not be able to claim for help with any rent. 

marcia_

 In my area there is a dedicated team for access accommodation, for disability adapted homes. Anyone can join this list even if they own a property if their property no longer meets their needs due to their disability 

sheramber

LCThomas123 said:

Probably a silly question but if in private rented can you apply for housing benefit and remain in the existing property?
Sadly the directors representing the tenants have refused permission for all ramps. My friend isn’t physically able to lift and move a ramp in and out of the property so all options we’ve looked at are unsuitable. It’s a power wheelchair so it’s heavy (I think the battery is what makes it heavy). We’ve had a discreet wooden ramp made to make it possible to push the chair up and over the door step but it’s a steep slope and means it doesn’t need to be lifted up, but still heavy to bear the load due to the incline. There is also a risk it’ll be reported and removed by the management company.

Help with rent for a private rental is restricted to the local  authority allowance, which is set by each authority
. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

The amount may not cover  the full rent.

Any help with rent would be means tested, whether housing benefit or UC  so would depend on their income. 

You can find benefit calculators online to give you an idea of what might be available. 


. 

freesha

It says they own the flat. No housing costs, UC or HB, will be paid.

marcia_

freesha said:

It says they own the flat. No housing costs, UC or HB, will be paid.

 They are saying they want to move probably renting and also ask about council housing. 

freesha

marcia_ said:

freesha said:

It says they own the flat. No housing costs, UC or HB, will be paid.

 They are saying they want to move probably renting and also ask about council housing. 

And the proceeds from the sale of the flat????? Likely to be more than £16k....

LCThomas123

Thank you all. Yes so the current flat is no longer suitable (or safe!), and the value of the flat would not cover a property that is suitable and no prospect of being able to work or get a mortgage. So either needing some sort of housing support or rent privately until the money runs out. Obviously they are in a very privileged position to own a property but also a difficult situation to know where to get appropriate support