Living In Rented Accommodation On Retirement

[dave50]

If a couple live in private rented accommodation and find that on retirement they can no longer afford to pay the rent and can no longer carry on working, is the local authority obliged to rehouse them?

[jackthehat]

No.

[Mamyalynne]

They would firstly need to check whether their new financial situation entitled them to Housing Benefit.

[Maydup]

No, but its worth them adding their names to the waiting list.

In the meantime,l if they don't already, they should look into claiming housing benefit.

[ubasses]

I think you have to be homeless before they are obliged to do anything. Have you applied for housing benefit?

[magsmay]

Hi Dave -I don't think they would need to be rehoused -just apply for Housing Benefit. It would depend on how big the house was and how much the rent was as to what percentage of the rent they would get in Benefit.

[Mamyalynne]

Jack is quite correct, I am opening the question out I suppose.

[ronnietoon]

as i presume they are over 35 they will both be entitled to full housing benefit.

depending on circumstances

[lcg]

not obliged, no. they would have to meet the local authority's criteria (vulnerable, illness etc.). they should look into housing and council tax benefit and pension credits too. age concern are quite useful in advising and helping older people in accessing benefits and housing. good luck x

[Maydup]

Good idea about Age Concern. Its now called Age UK and there's some info here

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/housing-choices/