26 year old single male applying for housing - need advice

Noorudean

Hi there,

I am currently staying at a hostel in RBKC and I am considering applying to the council for housing and needed some advice before doing so.

I have been diagnosed with depression and only recently discovered after seeing a psychiatrist that I may also have autism. I am going to be properly assessed in June but it’s highly likely I am autistic.

I am currently in touch with my CMHT to arrange for therapy due to poor mental health and suicidal thoughts.

I am incredibly uncomfortable staying at a hostel due to the shared living space and inability to get proper sleep due to loud music and shouting etc.

Is it worth applying for housing and is temporary accommodation much more suitable for my needs as opposed to staying in a hostel?

I’m just worried I’m going to be rejected purely off the basis that I’m a young man, and just needed some advice regarding the process as this is my first time doing so.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

You can get yourself on the waiting list but it will no doubt be a long wait as a single person with no children 

However living in a hostel could put you in a higher priority banding ad it could be classed as homeless 

Contact the council and ask to see what their process is as each council is different 

You can also consider private renting look what is available in local letting agencies . If your income is through benefits only may be a barrier to private rent 

Alex_Alumni

Hello and a warm welcome to the community @Noorudean thanks for reaching out today.

I'm glad you're seeking out support for your mental health, and that you're due to be have your autism assessment very soon. How are you feeling about that?

I can understand why you'd be feeling uncomfortable staying in a hostel given it's not the most quiet of places, thank you for explaining that for us. 

Scope details the following guidance on applying for housing: 

Local councils and housing associations will have different applications and rules. For example, some might ask for references from a previous landlord. Read your local council or housing association allocations policy or scheme. It should tell you:

• how the process works in your area

• how they decide priority

Councils and housing associations usually organise priority using a points or group system, sometimes called ‘bands’. Each council or housing association will have their own band system. Priority will be based on your needs, such as if you’re:

• legally homeless

• moving because of disability or a serious, long-term health condition

• moving to a different area because of hardship, such as getting medical treatment or because you’re in danger

Knowing how they allocate priority bands can help you include the right information in your application. Speak to a housing adviser or occupational therapist (OT) if you need support.

As mentioned above, speaking to a professional adviser is one of the best things to do, and I can recommend a search on AdviceLocal under the topic of housing.

If I've missed anything, or you feel we can help further, please do let us know, and I hope you enjoy your evening

Noorudean

Hi @janer1967

Thank you for your reply,

The wait time is not an issue at all. it is my current environment. I am much more concerned with being accepted for temporary accommodation to give me a sense of hope for the future, and to give me some much needed independence.

In respects to private rent I’m afraid that’s out of the question. Only 16% of people with aspergers(which is what my psychiatrist believes I have), can hold down a full time job. And I do not have the support of my family who are incredibly toxic and I have cut off from. I also live in London where the only way to afford a private rental for the average one bed is to earn a salary above the average over £30,000 a year. Due to my depression as well as my autism, these are both factors that make your suggestion incredibly unlikely.

I will take up your advice and contact the council soon after my diagnosis, I am hoping this is resolved sooner rather than later as the whole situation has been a source of so much distress for me.

 

Noorudean

Hi @Alex_Scope,

I’m feeling fairly anxious and probably relieved at the idea of getting diagnosed. Having had this condition my entire life and not knowing has led to many uncomfortable situations I could have handled better with the right support.

I’m just scared about the consequences should I be rejected for housing. I think my mental state will completely deteriorate if that happens. I do not have the support of any family and few friends. I do not have a purpose in life and my finances are at an all time low. Pretty much every aspect of my life is miserable at the moment and without my housing situation being sorted out I fear for the worst.

I will definitely contact advicelocal like you suggested. Thank you for your reply, you seem very understanding.

Ross_Alumni

Hello @Noorudean

I also wanted to wish you a warm welcome to the community, thanks for getting back to us on this thread.

Feeling “anxious but relieved” about your diagnosis makes complete sense, it’s normal to feel nervous about how it might go but optimistic about the answers the diagnosis will potentially provide, as well as the support it could open up.

You mentioned that your finances are at an all time low, which I’m sorry to read. Are you receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to? It might be worth filling out a benefits calculator to estimate whether you might be eligible for any other financial support.

I am about to send you an email from community@scope.org.uk with some further information, please feel free to give it a read and get back to us  

janer1967

You could also contact an organisation called SHELTER they help and support people who are homeless