My housing situation is depressing - how can I change it?

solostinthis

So I'm currently dealing with a lot of mental health issues - depression, anxiety and suspected but not yet diagnosed autism. Im on PIP and awaiting an appointment re the autism.

i currently rent a room from someone and the living situation is awful. Partly because I need fully my own space not just a room, partly because due to my issues I know im hard work for the other person to live with and likewise, so the relationship isn't great. 

Im at the point where im so miserable here (im 37) and I know how much my own place and my own space would do for helping me deal with my mental health issues.

I've no idea how to go about trying to improve my living situation by getting my own place. Does anyone have any advice maybe from being in a similar situation?

thanks so much in advance. 

solostinthis

woodbine said:

@solostinthis hi and welcome to scope, the obvious answer as you realise is that you need your own place, unfortunately social housing is difficult to find and almost impossible for a single person, therefor the remaining option will be a private rental.

Thank you and thanks for the reply.

Yeah re private let i did give that some thought and it could be a possibility in terms of, could I handle the mental stress of going through all of that... 

bur I did wonder, what are the chances a letting agency is going to even entertain me considering I don't work and my income is made up of PIP and UC? 

I mean even though UC would no doubt continue to give me housing benefit for the new private place I just imagine most letting agencies won't want someone who doesn't have a job. 

Do you know anything about that? Or if there are any organisations or letting agencies who are more likely to not turn me away? 

Thanks again 

chiarieds

Hi @solostinthis - & welcome to Scope from me also. Shelter has this link: https://www.lettingaproperty.com/private-landlords-accept-dss  there's also

https://app.dssmove.co.uk/    &

https://movingsoon.co.uk/feature/dss-accepted/   &

https://www.openrent.co.uk/find-flats-and-houses-for-rent-online

Kimmy87

However unlikely social housing is it's always worth invesgating, especially when there is potential to get medical priority. 

As a single person I applied for health reasons, submitted a GP letter, went through the councils own assessment process (a form and chat with OT).

I was accepted onto the bidding system and was successful 13 months later, although I had expected to be waiting much much longer.

In the past 15 months two new neighbours again both single people. 

OP a good place to start is your local authorities website, they will have details of allocation policy, application procedure etc. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @solostinthis

Welcome to the community! I'm sorry your housing situation is going well. I see out members have shared some great links for you.

I'd also encourage you to speak to Citizen's Advice. They'll have a lot of different advice avenues about housing whilst on benefits. From council housing, to privately renting that you may find helpful