I'm moving out. What help can I get? I claim PIP and ESA, and currently live in a council property

lance

Hi I am on pip and ESA and am in a joint tenancy with my partner, but have to move out and find a place what help can I get? The place I’m in now is council.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

When you say what help do you mean finding some where to live or benefits

calcotti

Who currently claims Hosing Benefit - you or your partner?

Is your ESA entirely income based or a mix of contribution based and income based?

c1967m29146

Good Afternoon from c1967m
you can go to the council and state why you have to move, as a council property they have to rehouse you, citizens  advice is useful for your statuary rights and how to proceed, is it you or both of you and what reason have they sighted and have you got a hard copy.

lance

Thank you for your replies, the housing benefit is in both our names, and it just me alone we are on a trial separation but obviously still need to change benefits and put the tenancy back in my partners name. You say they will have a right to re-house me but that could take sometime. I have mental health and find this all very hard.

janer1967

I'm not sure they have to rehouse you as it is you wanting to leave of your own free will the council are not forcing you out so I don't think they will be obliged to rehome 

Unfortunately you may find this is not going to be a quick fix there are big waiting lists in most areas for properties 

Priority is given to homeless and those with children and those facing domestic abuse 

Have you spoken to the council to see what they suggest 

You can look to private rent but not many landlords accept those on benefits alone 

lance

I’m nearly 62 and all looks pretty ominous, and understand I’m not high as some on priorities, I have an old caravan but can’t find anywhere to put it on a permanent basis at reasonable prices so HB could help me. Thanx for your help

chiarieds

Hello @lance - & welcome to this supportive community. I don't know if it may be helpful, but here's some info &  links about private landlords who accept people on benefits:

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/how_to_find_landlords_who_accept_benefits

https://movingsoon.co.uk/list-of-dss-accepted-landlords/

http://www.benefithousing.co.uk/

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs63_finding_private_rented_accommodation_fcs.pdf

lance

Thankyou that’s useful appreciate all of your help and tips?

calcotti

lance said:

Thank you for your replies, the housing benefit is in both our names, 

I don’t think that is correct. You are both taken into account but my understanding is that a Housing Benefit claim is made in the name of one person. 
The person who has HB is in your name will be able to continue to receive it based on your new circumstances. The person who is not claiming will not be able to make a new claim for HB and will need to claim UC if they want help with rent. 

You didn’t answer the question about your ESA.

c1967m29146

Hi Lance 
I will contact you tomorrow and give you some info on rehousing.