help with rented accomadation

[caz99]

hi just wandering i am jue to have a baby in september an just wanted to no if i am on income suport and i want to rent a privatr house will i get help of any body towards the rent has ive bin told if i go on the housing list i wont get a house for a couple of years can any body help

[saxy_jag]

Makes no difference whether you're in private, council or housing association. They'll assess your entitlement on your means and circumstances, and as long as you're not living in a fifteen bedroomed mansion or anything, your chances are good.

I wouldn't let it put you off going on the housing list. With a baby, it gives you a slight points advantage and in any case, the sooner you get on, the better.

[Richard1966]

Caz,

If you are on income support you will get housing benefit, This is changing in April to Local housing Allowance. In theory when your on inc sup you will get the max LHA. However this does not mean it will cover al the rent your landlord will charge. Restrictions can also apply if you are considered to be living in a property that is bigger than is required. If this is your first baby then a one bed property would be considered sufficient. LHA is claimed from your local council who will also have info on the amount of LHA paid for an appropriate rented property. Some private landlords dont like people on benefit so you might have to hunt round a bit. LHA is paid direct to you not paid to the landlord.

Good luck flat hunting and with the baby. It will probably be a virgo.

[caz99]

hi thanks very much for replying to my question it was very helpfull

[R1Geezer]

your biggest problem will be finding a private landlord to take you on, they tend to run a mile when phrases like "income support" are bandied about.