Adulting sucks! HELP :(

For all my employed UK mummas, can anyone share some advice on housing? My LO and I are now living with mum after my split from his dad and as much as I love my mum and being back home….. we DESPERATELY need our own space 😬 As you know it’s near to impossible to afford rent as a single parent these days and I was wondering if anyone has anyone gone down the private sector route (with the help of housing benefit) and if so, what was the process? I’m trying to wrap my head around how to secure a property whilst trying to apply for help with the deposit 🤔🤔🤔 To add, I don’t want to go on the housing list as I’d like to move very soon! Any advise would be greatly appreciated ☺️

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Housing benefit has changed with most councils and unless you live in emergency/temporary accommodation housing benefit don’t usually pay. I dont know if you claim universal credit (as depending on how much you earn there’s a housing element and they can pay part of your rent). In this case you would need to try and find a deposit and first months rent (as universal credit pay in arrears whereas landlords want rent in advance).

I would still suggest going on the housing register as it may take years to get offered a property but you are still able to private rent in the meantime. This just means later down the line you could be offered a property with affordable rent and has more security than private accommodation. You would then also be able to ask your council for a list of private landlords that do accept rent where some of it is paid by government funding. I was fortunate enough that when I was private renting in London I had a guarantor so the landlord wasn’t aware I received government funding as I also worked. If I didn’t have a guarantor, the landlord would’ve asked for the first 6 months rent in advance as the payslips I provided showed that I couldn’t afford the entire rent and money to cover daily needs as I also have two children.

In the exact same boat as you 🥴🥴, I definitely know the council can offer you a deposit and pay a months rent in advance as someone I know was able to go private with this help. Still trying to navigate it myself x

And I will add, the UC housing element will only pay the Local Housing rate for what you need eg. 2 bed - if you google LHA rate and use that website to calculate the maximum they’ll pay weekly - if it falls short for the month then you’ll need to add the rest - from my understanding of it x

Is there over crowding at your mom's

Oh My Gosh babes, I feel you! It’s so tough! There are services out there which help to make things more affordable for you though- just a case of looking and asking for help xx

Okay I sent you a wave there is a small chance if you see me in the I like you and don't like you bit to wave back, so we can have a chat about it 😉

Hello, we have a WhatsApp group, message me if any of you mums want to join. We are definitely a mixed bunch so there is always someone who has got advice. Definitely the best group I’ve found x

A discretionary housing payment can help with deposit, moving costs etc, that could help with deposit side of things. Citizens advice can be quite helpful maybe drop them a visit/ call x