U.C and Housing Element

Paul77

Hi everyone,

My apologies if this has already been covered, I am currently claiming U.C and p.i.p. Recently my marriage ended and I moved out of the family home, I am currently sofa surfing. I am looking at getting a privatley rented property, I have joined property pool but that will take a while to get a property.

My question is around how I get housing element, I am led to believe I need to get a tenancy then apply. But how do I do this, financially I wouldn't be able to cover the rent whilst waiting for the housing element to go through. I also understand there is a discretionary fund available, how does this work and how do I access it. Also housing tax reduction, how do I apply for that. My apologies for the million questions, I am just struggling with everything. I am over 35 and have my 7 year old daughter who is autistic living with me also, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Lauren29

Have you been in contact with your local council's housing department? Some local authorities offer rent deposit or guarantee schemes for people who are struggling to move into private rented housing as they don't have the money for a deposit or need to pay rent in advance.

Legwax

Hi, I don't know what property pool is. If you are sofa surfing - with your 7 year old? - you are technically homeless. I suggest that you contact your local council homelessness service - it is the same for each council but website may call it housing then homelessness if you click further - and ask for their advice. It is likely that they will offer to help you find a private property as there is very little social housing available anywhere. You don't need housing element until you have rent to pay. Council Tax reduction again is variable by each council but it exists. Discretionary fund is potentially not accessible to you if you don't have a tenancy. So, contact the council first. Wish you luck.

Girl_No1

If you are located in Scotland, there is a charity called Housing Options who are extremely helpful to disabled/older people in your situation.

They helped an older friend of my cousin, who was sofa-surfing, to secure a council home from circumstances similar to yourself.

If you're not in Scotland, it may be worth googling for local housing charities who may be able to support you to navigate the routes to securing a home for you and your daughter.

For anyone in Scotland, who may need it, here's the link to Housing Options website:

https://housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/services/