Single mum-housing?

[LOZANDEVIE]

Just wondering how i go on about this, do i go to my local council? Ive been told i get help with housing as im on income support and a lone parent. I've been a lone parent ever since my daughter was born and nothing will change with the father. I'm not bothered about what kind of house it is- flat, anything id be grateful for... I'd be intrested in renting too? I just dont know how to go about this at all -I know a lot of girls have had to go on a register... ? does anyone have a clue about this? Also- If youve been in this situation and were a lone parent.. how did you afford furniture basics etc? xxx

 

[Kate&Lucas]

I'm just in the process of applying for housing. I went on my local council's website and looked through the list of housing associations in the area. No idea what help I'll get though. I'm just hoping it doesn't take long.

As for furniture, I have a bit in storage from my old home with FOB (although it's been there that long the rent is beginning to exceed the total replacement cost!) I think if you're on income support though you might be able to get a loan to get furniture and decorate etc.

 

[LOZANDEVIE]

Thanks hun x

 

[sweetlullaby]

In the processes of moving now hun. Trying to think of everything that might help you

Go to your local housing office and pick up an application form fill it in and either hand it back to them of post it back to them. Someone will then come out and access you and then you'll get a letter telling you how many points/what band your in etc. Then unfortunately its just a case of waiting. I waited 6 months to get an offer on a two bed upstairs flat and am still in the process of moving in.

You can get help by applying for a community care grant for furnishings etc and housing benefit for your rent. Though they will probably harrass you to pay rent while your claim is being sorted out Just contact them and explain that you're a single mum on benefits etc and your waiting on your claim for housing benefit to be sorted and that you'll be entitled to full housing benefit. I would advise you to start saving now for furniture/curtain poles/ cooker/washing machine/ fridge freezer/ carpets/wooden flooring/ wallpaper/ paint etc it's a scarily expensive job and my mum has had to help me out big time with me paying her back weekly. Charity shops/ebay/gumtree/classified ads/ local papers/ car boots sales and auctions are also good and freecycle and freegle.

The community care grant is very hard to get and a lot of people get rejected. I havn't applied yet because I don't get income support so don't think I'll get any help but it's worth a try!

If you're looking into private renting go and get a list from your local housing of agencys/landlords that will accept dhhs tenants because a lot of people won't accept tenants on benefits Private renting is local housing allowance for rent help etc and depends on the area and comes with conditions you and LO would be entitled to a 2 bed house/flat etc and will probably have to pay a bit extra on top of your rent.

Also there are some charity's out there that can help out with getting you stuff like furniture

 

[sciencemum]

Hey, I've been in a pretty similar situation.
I was put on the local housing list and had supporting letters from my Psychiatrist, midwife and community psychiatric nurse - however I kept getting told i am in a high-ish priority and that it will still take ages... So i found a private landlord that accepts DSS and I finally move on saturday. He did me a contract, so i have sent that to housing and they will pay me.

Its all a pain, but its worth it.

I have put in for a community care grant too, but i dont think i will get it, but it's worth a shot. My mum is a welfare rights officer and helps people fill them in all the time. She said to just put everything you need down and it will ask why you need the items and with a little one around alot of things you will get. I sent my form off about 3 weeks ago and still heard nothing... lol

 

[LOZANDEVIE]

Thanks so much ladies... xxxx

 

[xdaniellex]

Hiya i did this june last year, luckily i had really good family - my folks paid for it all to get laminate flooring, and bought me a cooker, my nana bought me a fridge, my other nana bought me a washing machine, and my aunt bought me a freezer. They helped decorate ( i was 8-9 months preg) and they got me a sofa, and a tv and unit. My grandad bought me a bed, and i used my 500 sure start grant for a wardrobe n chest of drawers
i applied when i was 20 weeks preg, but went into labour at 27 weeks so my midwife wrote them a letter saying i needed a house asap xx

 

[WhiteGeisha]

Hey

I've just appplied for council housing and had my band classification a few days later. I think I will be waiting 6months to get anywhere based on my band classification and supporting letter from my employer.

As for kitting out the house/flat, I am buying bits as and when I see them as I know there will be a few months waiting so I can spread the cost. You should be able to pick second hand fridges/freezers/washing machines up at a decent price. You can always replace these for new as and when you have more money.

I am going to buy a cheapish sofa (some places like argos do buy one get one free).

x