Low-cost living
Question
Is there any way I can get cheap housing or financial help towards an inexpensive flat? My Mum has mental health problems and living in the same house with her is becoming really difficult for me.
I'm finding it very hard to find work and I've also had problems claiming benefits in the past. My mum earns less than £600 per month so it's unlikely she can help me with the rent. What can I do?
Answer
It can be hard to cope when someone you love has mental health issues, so it's not surprising that this is having such a big impact on your homelife.
If it's unsuitable for you to remain in your home because of the situation with your mum, or if she asks you to leave, one option is getting help from your local council. You can make a homeless application to the housing department of your local council. To get help the council will need to decide that you're homeless because you can't return home. If so, they'll have to provide you with somewhere to stay while they investigate the situation further. They'll check that you are in priority need (most young people aged 16 and 17 are) and whether you've made yourself homeless intentionally. Finally they will establish if you have any links with the area (a local connection) you have applied to. The council may also want to check whether you could go back home to live with your mum, but they can't force you to go back, especially if you would be at risk.
If you pass all of these tests, the council will have to provide you with somewhere to stay until they can offer you somewhere permanent from the waiting list.
Some 16 and 17 year-olds are not entitled to help because of their immigration status, or if they have previously been in care. If you have been in care it could be that social services have a responsibility for helping you.
Many young people can have problems getting help from the council or are sent from one department to another without getting help. If this happens, contact a local advice service for help.
In the meantime, you might want to make sure you get your name on waiting lists for housing associations in your area. Housing association rent prices are usually quite similar to council rents; much cheaper than renting privately. Some housing associations run a joint list with the council, but others will allow you to apply to them directly.
You may also be able to stay in an emergency hostel or nightshelter, which are usually run by housing associations, charities, or the local council. You can get details of hostels and nightshelters in your area from an advice centre, the council or Shelter's housing advice helpline. In some areas, it is difficult to get into an emergency hostel or nightshelter because there are not enough spaces for the number of people who need them. Some have waiting lists or will only take people who have been sent there by a local advice agency, such as a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or the council.
A few hostels and nightshelters will accept people at the door. These are sometimes called 'direct access' hostels. But it's best to telephone first to check that they have room. You might be turned away if you arrive when the hostel is full. You should also check whether they have any rules about who can stay there.
Another option is to rent a property privately. You can find out what's available in your area by contacting lettings agencies or advertisements in local newspapers. If you use an agency they will usually charge fees for things such as references and administration charges. You will need money up front to pay for rent in advance (usually one month) and a deposit (at least the equivalent to one months rent). If you are worried about getting a deposit together, there may be a deposit scheme in your area that can help.
Most landlords will not grant a tenancy to anyone under 18, even though in Scotland you can legally hold a tenancy at 16. There are ways to get around this. Someone can hold the tenancy on trust for you until you're 18. This can be the landlord or another adult, such as a social worker if you have one. If you are under 18, a landlord may require a guarantor, who would be liable for the rent if you failed to pay it.
When you find somewhere to rent, you may be eligible for housing benefit to help pay the rent. If you are under 25 the amount you get will usually be restricted to the average amount for a single room in a shared house in your area, unless you fit into certain categories, for example, if you have a child or live with your partner. Other restrictions could be made, for example if the rent is considered too expensive. You will have to make up the difference yourself. If you are studying on a non-advanced course like GCSEs or A-levels then you can claim housing benefit until your 19th birthday.
You may also want to get some benefits advice to see what benefits and other financial assistance you'd be entitled to if you were to leave home. A local agency might also be able to offer some help with claiming benefits while you're still at home.
You can also read advice on leaving home which will offer some practical information about things to consider when you're thinking of getting your own place.
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Question answered by Shelter
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