PIP & Council housing list - can't get house despite partner having Emphysema

Dyppi8

Hi, I've just joined, & was desperately hoping for some advice, regarding our entitlement to housing, please?

We currently live in a third floor flat, which is a badly, converted Georgian? property, with large single glazed windows, damp, & a shower that's so small we can no longer use it, due to physical pain & fatigue.

We've recently been in touch with our Council, & despite our health, & benefits, we've been told we're only eligible for a 1 bedroom ground floor flat, which is not appropriate.

My partners' Emphysema has been getting worse, & despite my own health problems, I unofficially do a lot to care for him, so having 2 bedrooms would really help, as his Son & partner, who are willing to provide some respite care, would be able to come & stay - which they can't currently do, as our 1 bed flat is too small. 

Also, my partner struggles to get out, as he gets so fatigued/breathless from going up & down so many stairs - this has led to his Depression & anxiety increasing, which has left him very isolated & trapped - I too have this, but to a lesser extent.

We've been living with a variety of anti social neighbours, in flats, all our lives! (Both seperately, & together, since my partner moved in with me, last summer) & we are still living with one now, so we definitely don't want to go through the physical, mental, & financial cost of moving into a 1 bed flat, & potentially end up with more anti social neighbours above us, & possibly each side too!

Btw, I'm 46, & partner's 55.
Both my partner & myself, get Cont Based ESA, & are in Support Group - we both have physical diseases, & mental health issues.

My partner receives Pip, for both parts, at the lower rate, & I've been advised that I should claim Pip also, & will likely get it, too.

We have no debt, currently pay part of our rent, & Council Tax by DD, & have found out roughly how much more we'd have to pay towards a house, & know we can afford this.

One of our nice neighbours, has just been moved from a ground floor flat, in our small block of 6 flats, to a 3 - 4 year old 1 bed house, with garden, & private parking - he's working, & not in receipt of benefits, & only moved about 2 months ago, through the Council ( & the Housing Assoc we both are tenants with) after he had a letter from his GP stating that the anti social neighbour, was putting his health at risk.

His rent is only about £5 more expensive, a wk, & he's got a warm, efficient, double glazed house!

When I brought this up, on phone call to Council, & asked why he could get 1 bed house, & we can't, the man from the Council confirmed that this was because he was working, & we're not! Is this discrimination?

Is this legal?

Btw, the neighbour, whose got the 1 bed house, is around the same age as my partner.
I apologise for the length of this - I suffer with OCD, & struggle to express myself more simply...
Can anyone give me some advice, please?

We desperately need to move, but cannot move to another flat - any advice would be very much appreciated, Many Thanks

Sam_Alumni

Im sorry to hear you are so stressed by this, it sounds like a really difficult time for you both.

I cant offer any advice, but here is a list of agencies that may be able to offer some support:

Shelter

Shelter provides free, confidential advice to people with all kinds of housing problems through online housing information, helpline and face-to-face services.

Habinteg

Habinteg is a housing provider offering and promoting accessible, adaptable and affordable homes.

Ability Housing

Ability Housing Association is a Registered Provider (RP) that specialises in providing people with housing and support services that enable them to live more independent lives.

The Accessible Property Register

The Accessible Property Register specialises in promoting wheelchair accessible and adapted property, and wheelchair access holiday accommodation.

The House Shop

Find, buy, rent or sell accessible homes that have been built, adapted or modified for wheelchair users.

Home Ownership for People with Long-term Disabilities

HOLD is a route into shared ownership for disabled people. 

Accessible housing in Wales

List of housing resources if you live in Wales.

Download a free guide to finding an accessible home

Best of luck to you, do let us know how you get on!

Dyppi8

Many thanks, Sam. I will definitely have a look at the links you've kindly provided, & see if I can get some clarity on our situation, & if there's anything that we can do to improve our chances of being considered for a house...
Any further advice, & help, from the Scope community, would still be welcome, please? Many thanks.

DebbieH

Hi. On your local housing site, even if you are not given a high enough banding to bid for homes, there should be a section called 'immediately available homes' which anyone can apply for. It is a list of empty properties in your area. Its how I got my first place. Hope this is of use to you. Best wishes for the future x

Glen76

Regarding the spare room please visit the link https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/housing-benefit/housing-benefit-restrictions-for-social-housing-tenants1/housing-benefit-size-restrictions-in-social-housing-special-circumstances/

your ESA is not counted as that is a working benefit however as your partner is claiming daily living care on PIP and if you can prove the disability requires you sleeping in a spare room you are entitled to a 2 bedroom house you could argue that you have somebody that sleeps over but that will go on the amount of nights.. I would arrange to see citizens advice who will be able to appeal your decision 

Dyppi8

Thanks so much, DebbieH, & Glen76. I really appreciate the information, links & advice - I will be checking them out, asap. ASB neighbour has reached a new low - he's now committing physical & mental abuse, against his girlfriend...needless to say, the police have been involved, again...unfortunately she won't leave him...