Having to move with my autistic adult child and myself, who is also disabled.

mamaforbecca2000

In a bit of a pickle, but I know we aren’t the only ones! We are having to move through no fault of our own because our landlord is selling up (mortgage rates are far too high). We have been her since my daughter was 17 (she’s now 23, 24 next month) and I know the change will be extremely hard for us. To top it all off, I’m also severely disabled with multiple physical disabilities and just been diagnosed with cancer.

We cannot by any means afford a private rental so will have to approach social housing for support. Landlord is coming over with section 21 tomorrow, but from my understanding this will take 2 months, and then we need to stay put until the ballifs come if I’m correct? Also on higher rate PIP, both rates if that helps.

Also terrified social housing will turn us away. I know that’s unlikely to happen as none of this is our fault but will we be classed as priority, is it possible we will be put into the lowest band? My daughter also has mental health problems, including PTSD. She’s been so stressed, she’s up most nights crying and it’s also getting me down. Definitely will be getting onto council as soon as we have the section 21 notice and shelter for more advice but was hoping for some reassurance to calm our nerves. Thank you :)

poppy123456

You need to apply for social housing now by putting your name down on the list. Please do not wait because you will not be rehoused if you don't do this.

You need to stay where you are even when the date comes for you to leave because if you move out then they will treat you as intentionally making yourself homeless and won't help you.

When you receive the S21 you need to check that it's valid. See link.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/section_21_eviction/how_to_check_a_section_21_notice_is_valid?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwswOzLBsOPbDmyaCVaeGx4OjgVM&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ6_yD4ggd1tTLnOxeNJfWSXW8j5IfzDvovWVusdKpgwNOgOHmr7_ueoaAoecEALw_wcB this is assuming you're living in England.

You can also refer yourself for a needs assessment from your local Authority. This could help with the moving process and being rehoused.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

If it's a banding system your local Authority use then yes it's likely you'll be placed into a low band to start with. It's unlikely you'll be a priority because you are currently housed.

Even if you do eventually be given priority the wait could still take a considerable length of time to be rehoused.

You may have no option but to look for a private landlord too, altho being a benefit claimant this will not be easy. As your daughter is now an adult in her own right then she will be named on the tenancy agreement and will be responsible for half of the rent, if there's just the 2 of you. Does your daughter work or claim benefits?

Jimm_Scope

Hi @mamaforbecca2000, welcome to the community 🙂

I'm sorry to hear that you're having to go through a section 21, it's definitely a very stressful process. I'm not sure I can add much to Poppy's advice, they've given you some excellent resources to hopefully help.

How are you and your daughter doing?

I'm just going to move this over to our housing section as well.

mamaforbecca2000

Hi! Thank you for the reply. My daughter is working, part time on a zero hour contract as a teaching assistant looking after SEN students. She is also my unpaid carer, she’s not receiving any benefits of her own but we are looking into carers allowance for her to claim herself. It’s extremely hard for her due to her own disabilities but she’s trying. She’s also just graduated with her degree from university so she’s not in education for the time being, until she goes back to get her adult nursing.

Regarding private rental, we just can’t afford it. The rates for even a 2 bedroom house is around £1200 a month, we just can’t do it. We have never had to ask for help from the council before. We are kickstarting the process ASAP, before we even have section 21 and getting onto the housing register. We are very lucky to have an amazing support system. My health has never been worse but it cannot be helped. Just need to be prepared as we can be. Thank you for the advice.

mamaforbecca2000

Hello! Thank you very much. For me because of my physical disabilities the thought of having to move is terrifying, alongside getting treatment for my skin cancer and having major surgery next year it’s a lot, but I know we aren’t the only ones going through this. My daughter is mainly anxious because like many autistic people, she hates change. She’s just finished university and is starting part time work, whilst having to look after me at the same time. She’s just gotten herself into a routine and leaving our support system is going to be hard.

I know realistically we will be ok and are going to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure the council do help us, its just the uncertainty I think.