'I'm facing redundancy and can't afford my rent'
I'm single, aged 30 and live in a one-bedroomed flat. It seems likely that I'll be made redundant in the next few months. I'm worried about how I'll pay my rent if my job goes. My tenancy still has over six months to run. I've heard that the government has reduced the amount of help with rent that someone of my age can claim. Is that right?
Yes, major changes to the way housing benefit is calculated for single private tenants under 35 began in January. New claimants under 35 with no dependents and unemployed (or on a very low income), now have the amount of housing benefit that they receive restricted to levels of local rent for a single room in a shared house.
If you are faced with a period of unemployment and find that your benefit does not cover your rent there are a number of things that you can do.
First of all you might like to try negotiating with your landlord to see if they will accept a lower rent. If this doesn't work (or isn't appropriate) you could apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from your local authority.
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In order to claim a DHP you must already be claiming some housing benefit and need further financial assistance to meet housing costs. These payments can also be made to help with council tax liability if you are receiving council tax benefit. As the name suggests, the local authority has discretion as to how much to give and for how long. A successful claim for DHPs would give you a breathing space in which to find cheaper accommodation without falling into debt with your landlord.
Application forms for discretionary payments are available from your local housing office or the local authority website. Once your application has been received, you should be sent a written decision, with reasons, within a reasonable period. If your claim is refused you may ask for it to be reconsidered.
If you need further help with this or more information contact your local CAB or advice agency.
Comments
by ceembee
Friday, September 14 2012, 8:26PM
“Changes to housing benefit rates also apply to pensioners, lone parents, immigrants etc.
A woman I know is 68 & lives in a 2 bed privately rented house where she has lived for 25 years will see a reduction in HB paid as she is on her own & does not need a 2 bed place. The fact that she has her grandchild stay most weekends & often in school holidays cuts no ice.
I see plenty of immigrants including lone parents during the course of my work who are most annoyed that their HB is being cut. They think they are being discriminated against.
Benefits is a complex field & articles like this can cause more confusion & anxiety. If you are worried get proper advice from one of the advice centres or CAB.”
by PPusher
Friday, September 14 2012, 5:18PM
“Why is everyone assuming the person is male?
And, @BristolDJ, I see no evidence of anyone literally spoonfeeding anyone.
To be honest, I fail to see the issue. The state will pay for his/her accommodation in a single room in a shared house. So, no-one ends up destitute here.
If the rentable period continues past their date of redundancy then presumably, like any intelligent adult, they'll have made provision - like insurance or a guarantor - to cover this risk? If not, I'm afraid that's their problem. A CCJ is probably the answer.”
by bristolreded
Friday, September 14 2012, 4:33PM
“I know what will help, oppose the conservatives and vote for anyone but them.”
by Jonnyfandango
Friday, September 14 2012, 1:15PM
“And is this not a hypothetical scenario question that has been created to explain HB outcomes in differing circumstances, before some of you crucify someone imaginary!!”
by Jonnyfandango
Friday, September 14 2012, 1:11PM
“@ Big_Gregory - And what if you don't earn enough to do this? Do you havbe any comprehension at all of the real world?”
by Big_Gregory
Friday, September 14 2012, 9:24AM
“I've always believed in getting a few months wages put aside for such an eventuality. That together with a redundancy payment should keep you going for a good few months whilst you seek new employment. In the interim how about signing on with an agency, taking on temporary work, part-time work, unskilled work - anything to keep some form of inome stream?
Unfortunately, in this day and age, most people seem to want everything now and either live with no savings behind them or acrue credit card debt to make sure they have all the luxuries in life.
Pablo-Brown - I share your frustration that a single parent would get treated far better than a single male. What a situation we are in where people have kids just to get other benefits - its no wonder we have such crime problems from 'unwanted' youngsters with parents who don't really care about them.”
by Pablo_Brown
Friday, September 14 2012, 8:59AM
“This is the kind of story that annoys me. If this man was a single parent who hadn't even bothered to work he would be in a 2 bedroom flat with it all paid for.
I completely agree that a single person should not be getting £500 + a month for renting their flat if they are long term un employed but there should be some allowance for say 3/6 months before it is cut. This would give the honest working man a chance to rely on the state for a short period whilst they are finding new employment or make other living arrangements.
The welfare state has been ruined by dishonesty and greed and now the honest man is being punished.”
by BristolDJ
Friday, September 14 2012, 8:22AM
“"It seems likely"?
First step would be to clear that up, then if you are going to be made redundant, start applying for other jobs everywhere so there is no gap in your employment?
You have to literally spoon feed people nowadays, as soon as a problem arises, it's not up to you to solve it, it's a question of what can the state do for you or what benefit will I be elgible to?
Not a massive surprise with that sort of attitude that they aren't seen as a integral part of the company and are facing redunancy!”