Financial help to move...

A_Z1961

Hello! I currently rent a private 1 bed flat, been here 8 years but been private renting since 1997 when my marriage ended. I'm also on stand alone universal credit with single persons housing allowance since 2020.

My landlady has been saying for the past two years that she is selling up. This was supposed to be something to add to her retirement fund but she's said she's had enough and wants to move down south by her son (we're in Fife). Three more years and I would have paid the mortgage on this place. Anyway, in view of the way things are going I went to the council housing offices and filled out forms for sheltered retirement home (bungalow with independent living). I'm on various housing lists and they have info on my health etc. I'm also 64 soon so able to go down the "retirement home" route (council/housing association not private). Obviously it will likely be a long process before anything become available unless my landlady sells up in the near future and I find myself homeless. If she sells to someone willing to keep a sitting tenant then they will raise my rent by at least £200/£250 pm in line with local rents at this time there is no way my housing element will cover any if that . At the moment my landlady has kept my rent the same as I've cared for the property so ILH has covered it.

My option really is to move when something becomes available. It's a waiting game right now. I don't want to go back into private rental. There are very few properties available and if there are any rents are too high, even for a hovel around here.

That's the background, my query is, I live alone, no money only £395.00 pm, no savings. I am starting the process of WCA/Lcwra/pip but that could take months even if I get any of it. Can I get financial help to move when the time comes and are there any charities/volunteers who help people pack up and move. My health can be rather restrictive so help would be needed.

I know it's not happening yet but anything could happen and it helps to be informed and to know where to go/who to contact

Thanks!

Rosie_Scope

Hi @A_Z1961, sorry you're having to think about moving when things seem so settled at your current place.

Do you receive Universal Credit at the moment? If so, a budgeting loan can be used for house moving costs:

Budgeting Loans: How they work - GOV.UK

Unfortunately you do have to pay it back out of your payments, but they can often help to put you on a payment plan that you can manage.

When it comes to packing things up, that might be a little more difficult. I'm not aware of any charities that help with this, but you could ask your local authority to see if they have any links to local places that could help. If not, it's well worth asking any local moving companies whether they offer discounts for disabled people or people on lower incomes.

You might also like to speak to a local housing adviser to see if they have any ideas. Advicelocal have a database to search.

Hope you're able to find some solutions soon 😊

A_Z1961

Hi Rosie_Scope, thanks for your comment. Yes I'm currently on stand alone universal credit £395.00 per month plus single persons housing element so it will likely be a budgeting loan which I think is something like £320. I also have a local housing adviser I can contact and maybe she can advise when the time comes. Something else that's in the wait and see how things turn out category 😊