Moaning mum
Question
I left school three years ago and I've only had one job that lasted a few weeks. I live with my mum and she had now given me one week to find work or get out of the house. I've been to the Job Centre and can't find anything. I don't know what to do as I don't want to end up homeless.
Answer
It might be possible to sort your problems at home. Try talking to your mum and come to a compromise - suggest that you will apply for at least three new jobs each week to prove that you are listening to her and are serious about getting work. If this doesn't work, you can sometimes get help with family problems through mediation. The council or social services may provide a mediation service or you could ask your local Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) about local services.
If you can't sort things out with your mum, you will need to look at all the options for finding a place of your own.
If you're going to be homeless within 28 days, one option is to make a homeless application to the council. They will have a duty to give you advice and assistance to find your own accommodation.
Sometimes when a person is homeless the council also has to find them somewhere to live. They only have to do this if you have a priority need. Examples of priority need are people with children, pregnant women, or people who have a mental or physical illness.
If the council don't help you, they must tell you their reasons in writing. You have 21 days to request a review if you don't agree with them.
Another option is to put your name down on the council waiting list. This isn't the same as making a homeless application. As councils don't work on a 'first come, first served' basis, you could be waiting a while for a place. It's worth getting on the list, as many councils will give you extra points the longer you are on it. You should also get extra points or preference if you have applied as homeless.
You could put also your name down on any housing association waiting lists in the area. Sometimes they run a joint list with the council, but some will have their own.
Applying to live in a hostel could also be an option. Some will accept a direct application but others want a referral from a local agency. It's worth bearing in mind that it can be very difficult to get a space in a hostel.
You could get your name down to live in a foyer for young people (usually up to the age of 25), but they usually have a waiting list too. Like hostels some will let you apply to them directly, but others want the council or other advice centre to arrange the place for you. They like you to continue with training or education whilst you are there.
Looking for somewhere to rent privately could be your quickest option, but this can be quite expensive if you're on a low income. You may be entitled to claim housing benefit to help towards the cost. If you're willing to share, renting a room in a shared house might be more affordable than renting somewhere on your own. If you don't have any money for a deposit, there may be a scheme in your area that can help you.
You may also be entitled to other help in paying for somewhere to live. You should consider speaking to a benefits adviser about your financial situation. The CAB can deal with most benefits issues. You will need to work out whether there are any other benefits that you'll be entitled to if you no longer live with your mum, and whether you'll be eligible to claim housing benefit.
If you want some help with finding a job, Connexions may be a good place to start. You could find one of their local offices or call their helpline on 080 800 13 2 19.
You might also want to try other advice services in your area or contact Shelter's London Advice Service.
Updated: 15/04/2010
Question answered by Shelter
