On Benefits & Want To Relocate

mischamouse

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience with relocating to a different area of the UK whilst receiving LCWRA and PIP? I have limited mobility and live in a 1st floor studio flat in London. Due to health issues I struggle with a shower in a bath, getting up and down the stairs and shopping. I can't even order shopping online since many have refused to bring the shopping upstairs.

I no longer feel safe in London, people barge passed me constantly on the street and in the supermarket almost knocking me over.

I'm looking to relocate, ideally to a bungalow with a walk in shower and a driveway. Somewhere quiet where I don't fear for my safety. Unfortunately, I've been advised by my local borough I can only move within the borough.

If anyone has any experience / advice please point me in the right direction as to how I can achieve this.

Many thanks

Mischa

Chris75_

Are you already registered with the House Exchange?

You can move anywhere in the UK if you find someone tk swap with, and both councils agree. Three way swaps are possible too.

mischamouse

No I'm not registered with the house Exchange. Tbh I haven't heard of them until now, so thank you.

Unfortunately I doubt that I can swap. Currently I'm not paying rent as it's owned by a family member. Once I became ill they kindly permitted me to stay rent free but once I do move then the property will be completely gutted / refurbished. So I wouldn't be exchanging as such. Do they only deal with exchanges?

Kimi87

House Exchange is for swaps only.

If you are seeking a new social housing tenancy then you'd need to find a local authority outside your borough who would accept you onto their list. This is unlikely without something like a local connection to the area. And the wait would be extremely long and you might not even get offered anywhere after years of waiting. Especially if you hold out for a bungalow as many areas have low supply with high demand.

Alternatively you would have to look at privately renting which is very difficult to find as many landlords simply don't want people on benefits.

You could try OpenRent where you are communicating directly with landlords, cutting out letting agents.

https://www.openrent.co.uk/find-property-to-rent-from-private-landlords

The maximum UC will pay in Housing Element is linked to the areas Local Housing Allowance rates. This often doesn't cover the full cost and would require you to top up out of your income. Unless you would be receiving regular and frequent overnight care from a non resident carer, your maximum entitlement will be for the one bedroom rate.

Perhaps when you are closer to choosing an area this calculator will be of help.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Santosha12

Hi @Mischamouse, I looked into moving from my 1 bedroom bungalow to go back down South; it wasn't viable in the end so I'm not pursuing it for health reasons.

I looked at a swap too, the problem I see is if somebody already has the need for a bungalow/accessibility needs etc, then they would not be likely to move via a swap to a (your) first floor apartment.

You could apply to an alternative council area to go on their list for a bungalow. I was accepted on one in the South East but there are quite stringent criteria ie having a family link to the area is one, or employment. I passed the criteria but it would have been a long wait as I am already in suitable accommodation therefore only got banded in D, not [my current B] hence a very long wait.

It might still be worth you looking at your favoured areas and at the council criteria, including housing associations.

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105865#Comment_1105865

Sorry just seen what you wrote regarding rent. I'm no expert on benefits but guessing that because you receive LCWRA that you do receive Universal Credit? If so, you should be able to receive housing benefit, as part of that, to help towards rent if you move. Hopefully somebody will come and advise here who has more experience/knowledge but my best wishes to you.

Adrian_Scope

Hello @mischamouse and welcome to the community.

Your local council can usually only help you relocate within their own borough. If you’d like to move outside that area, you would need to contact the council in the borough you’re hoping to move to.

Unfortunately, waiting lists for social housing are very long in most areas, and many councils require you to already live in the borough or have a local connection (such as family or work) before you can join the list.

Have you considered looking at private rental options as well?

Chris75_

@mischamouse Three way swaps allow one to aquire an adapted house, but this is irrelevant now we know you are not a council housing association tenant.

mischamouse

Thanks all for replying. It seems I am truly stuck unless I go private renting. I have no ties to any area outside of London and private renting isn't an option because I doubt I could make up any shortfall especially with bills.