Would we be entitled to temporary housing?

happyviolet

Not a personal issue as such, but I didnt get any replies from other post.

Before you read, please bare in mind that I have never had to use social welfare before, so i have no idea how the system works. So I do apologize if any of this sounds naive.

At home, we do ok. My mother has a stable job, a house out in a rural area and a car, but unfortunately she broke her ankle and wont be able to do anything or drive anywhere about 8weeks. Now with this, all would be ok I would help out around the house at much as possible and help her as she gets back on her feet.

Only problem is SHE is the only one in the family who drives. Me and my other sibling still live at home but we cant drive. The only people we could rely on is my aunt and uncle, and my other sister, but they live a good bit away and also work themselves, so they might only make very odd visits.

I am just worried because where we live too isolating and so far away from town, whether you walk or cycle it can take 1-2hours.

I think it will be just hard. If we need anything from town or if there was an emergency, we will always have to call someone to help us out and they migth not be available.

That's why I wanted to ask, is is possible for us to get a temporary house in our local town, if we applied for social welfare and on one of the benefits they have? That why i explained my situation here to see if it was possible given our circumstances? Because I hear of loads of people on the dole getting free housing, so I wanted to see if it was possible for us, on a temporary basis.

retro:electro

Naive isn't the word. Your mother broke her ankle and you expect to get a free house to make things handier for you??
OP there are families out there in circumstances far, far worse than this and they can't even get a house. Mothers having to take two or three busses or walk a mile in order to get their kids to school because their house/temporary hotel is so far away beause of current rent conditions; so, what do you think?

Dolbert

I would be extremely surprised if you were entitled to any housing OP. Perhaps this can be the push you need to learn to drive. I had to move back in with my folks deep in the countryside for a brief period in my 20s and being stuck at home was the incentive I needed to learn. It's a bit unfair on your mother to be ferrying everyone around all the time.

Maphisto

If its not a rude question could I ask how old you are? Are you for instance old enough to drive?

As others have said I don't believe that you are entitled to social housing - but hey no one here is an expert we could all be wrong.

You clearly though do have a problem for the short to medium term. When my wife broke her ankle she was told not to drive for a couple of months after the cast was taken off.

I wonder if it is worth contacting social services as you clearly have the need for some support. Failing that some of the voluntary sector SVP comes to mind.

Do you have any neighbours nearby, they probably go into town quite regularly.

Big Bag of Chips

I think if you need to live closer to town for the next 8 weeks, then you need to move into town and rent somewhere (not through social welfare, because your mother isn't on the dole - even if she was I don't think you'd be given a free house for 8 weeks)

It is unclear.. are you on the dole? Are you asking this question for you, as in you getting a house, or are you asking the question on behalf of the whole family?

I think you now realise you/your sibling need to learn to drive, if you are at a legal age to drive of course. You are not going to get a "free house" for the next 8 weeks, "just incase" you need to get something from town.

You, your sibling and your mam now need to plan for the next 8 weeks to make sure that you don't need anything in an emergency. Plan your shopping.

Neighbours, relatives and friends are always very good in situations like this. And if you or your mam are genuinely stuck they will he happy to help out.

ABajaninCork

Maphisto is right. Your family do need some support, but sadly it won't be from Welfare. You need to get creative...

OK - your Mum isn't able to drive. You obviously have internet. Is there a Tesco's in the nearest town? Perhaps you could shop online and have Tesco deliver.

Are any of your bills online? Do you have online banking?? Pay everything online.

If you need fresh fruit/veg? Ask your neighbour to pop round. Give them a list and ask them to collect it for you.

Oh - and by the way? Housing isn't free. Even those of us on the dole, have to pay SOMETHING!! You need to get that idea out of your head PDQ!!

happyviolet

Read all replys here, so I will answer by clearing some things up:

I am 21, and I have been wanting to drive for YEARS since I turned 17. I got a few lessons, but they all went to waste because at the time I struggled to find a part-time job to pay my way and Leaving Cert exams were a priority first, and it is actually my mother herself who was never enthusiatic about the thought of me driving in the first place, and it was either because she could not afford to pay money herself towards it because she is single and pays for everything we have (which I would have owed her every cent in the end) or she just did not trust me enough to think I could handle it (I have mild Aspergers). Same applies to my other sibling.

We are not on the dole, she does have a stable job and is retiring this year.

Neighbours: tbh I dont think they will be any good, there is not s connection there like there used to be, where you could comfortably ask a neighbour for a lift. If there was, i dont think mam would be carting us around all the time.

I DO know that there are people worse off than me, and if there was one thing I was taught growing up is to never expect anything for free.
Not even candy at Halloween, I remember my mother told me and my sis to say a Halloween rhyme to the people we visited to earn sweets!

All I wanted to do was to see if it was a possibility. Because the alternative is to stay in the house in an isolated area for two months where neighbours would never bother to visit, and hope for when we do get a lift somewhere. I might have to give up the volunteer work I was planning to do at the summer, so you cannot say then that I expect these things for free. I did think of renting a place at short-term, but my mother wouldnt want to spend money on that. She would not spend money unless absolutely necessary.

Just want to see if it was possible, and obviously it isnt.

Stheno

happyviolet wrote: »

Read all replys here, so I will answer by clearing some things up:

I am 21, and I have been wanting to drive for YEARS since I turned 17. I got a few lessons, but they all went to waste because at the time I struggled to find a part-time job to pay my way and Leaving Cert exams were a priority first, and it is actually my mother herself who was never enthusiatic about the thought of me driving in the first place, and it was either because she could not afford to pay money herself towards it because she is single and pays for everything we have (which I would have owed her every cent in the end) or she just did not trust me enough to think I could handle it (I have mild Aspergers). Same applies to my other sibling.

We are not on the dole, she does have a stable job and is retiring this year.

Neighbours: tbh I dont think they will be any good, there is not s connection there like there used to be, where you could comfortably ask a neighbour for a lift. If there was, i dont think mam would be carting us around all the time.

I DO know that there are people worse off than me, and if there was one thing I was taught growing up is to never expect anything for free.
Not even candy at Halloween, I remember my mother told me and my sis to say a Halloween rhyme to the people we visited to earn sweets!

All I wanted to do was to see if it was a possibility. Because the alternative is to stay in the house in an isolated area for two months where neighbours would never bother to visit, and hope for when we do get a lift somewhere. I might have to give up the volunteer work I was planning to do at the summer, so you cannot say then that I expect these things for free. I did think of renting a place at short-term, but my mother wouldnt want to spend money on that. She would not spend money unless absolutely necessary.

Just want to see if it was possible, and obviously it isnt.

use taxis for vital journeys? Shop online with supervalu for groceries

and learn to drive.

Big Bag of Chips

happyviolet wrote: »

Neighbours: tbh I dont think they will be any good, there is not s connection there like there used to be, where you could comfortably ask a neighbour for a lift. If there was, i dont think mam would be carting us around all the time.

You won't know unless you ask. Your mother carts you around because that's what mothers do!!! But if you have a situation where your mother genuinely cannot drive somewhere then neighbours will step in. All you have to do is ask.

I'm guessing you haven't discussed any of this with your mam....?

Merkin

When someone fractures their ankle, it takes between 9-12 weeks until the patient is allowed to drive again, dependent on the severity of the break. Have you got a provisional driving license? If not I'd apply for one today and try and fast track it if possible. If you do have one, I'd get on the phone this morning and book an intensive driving course. If you are wholly committed to getting your driving license you could attain same in 4-6 weeks which would take work and dedication from you but it would get all of you out of this pickle. I'd put all my energy into that if I were you, you don't really have a choice.

Chattastrophe!

I gather yourself and your sibling aren't working ... if so, a trip to the local town for one/both of you once a week is hardly a big ask? Even if it does take a couple of hours walking or cycling.

Call in to your neighbours, introduce yourselves (if you haven't already.) Explain the situation, ask if they might possibly be willing to give you a lift or some help in an emergency, should one arise. Chances are they'll be lovely about it.

In a real emergency, you'd be ringing for an ambulance or the Gardai anyways.

You'll be fine, but it would probably be no harm to start learning to drive in case anything similar might happen in the future.

.jacksparrow.

Get a job, end of.

Maura74

Not sure about insurance regarding Scooters or Mopeds but it would be very handy for when living in the country away from a village or town. If you get the appropriate head gear then it would be worth considering for transport.

Moving is such an upheaval and that would be the last resort.

No Pants

Merkin wrote: »

Have you got a provisional driving license? If not I'd apply for one today and try and fast track it if possible. If you do have one, I'd get on the phone this morning and book an intensive driving course. If you are wholly committed to getting your driving license you could attain same in 4-6 weeks which would take work and dedication from you but it would get all of you out of this pickle.

If the mother has a full driving licence for over two years, then all the OP needs is a Learner Permit. Plonk the mother in the passenger seat and off you go. Assuming all other requirements are met, such as tax, NCT, insurance and actually being able to drive.

Big Bag of Chips

No matter how rural you live there's usually some sort of bus service too? It might go to town once a week. It might be a local minibus that you ring and they come to collect you. It might mean walking or cycling to a main road to get a bus.

But there are always options.

Although now you realise how isolated you are and how heavily dependent you are on your mother it might be worth trying to gain a bit more independence for yourself in case your mother ever gets hit by that proverbial bus.

Oryx

The bigger issue here is your dependence on your mother. All of a sudden something happens and you all realise how central she is to your lives. You are 21, and no matter what your mother thinks, it is better for you to try to learn to drive than not. You are an adult and need to make your own decisions in that regard. The same when it comes to money. This whole thing is a harsh reminder that someday you will have to do things without your mum, its a good idea to start now.

Short term I don't get the impression your mum is stressing over how you will all manage? What has she said about the next 8 weeks?

Get in touch with the place you intended to work. Tell them your transport issues. See if they have any options like sharing a lift with a coworker.

Lastly, I don't know the distances involved but would a bike be any use to you?

No Pants

anna080 wrote: »

walk a mile

Is that considered to be a big deal now?

Tokyo

OP, you aren't going to get temporary housing in town unless you pay for it yourself - that's just a non-runner.

However, there are options that I think you may not have considered. You've mentioned in previous threads that you are attending college - if so what do you do for transport then? There are very few places in Ireland that doesn't have some form of a bus service running - and at 1-2 hours walking distance from town that places you around 5-10km away, which really is not that far. And to be fair, that's not a ridiculous cycling distance on a fine day.

Another thing that you may want to consider is calling up the local supermarkets in town and explaining the situation and seeing if you can organise delivery. Tescos for example, offer online shopping with delivery to the door which would be ideal for your situation, as will a few other stores if you take the time to investigate it. Regarding emergencies - as long as you have access to a phone and the numbers of any services you might need, then I really don't see much of a problem there either.

GoodLord

No Pants wrote: »

If the mother has a full driving licence for over two years, then all the OP needs is a Learner Permit. Plonk the mother in the passenger seat and off you go. Assuming all other requirements are met, such as tax, NCT, insurance and actually being able to drive.

and pass theory test before getting it

Eeden

GoodLord wrote: »

and 12 lessons before getting it

No, you don't need 12 lessons in order to get your learner's permit. You need 12 lessons before you can sit your driving test.

GoodLord

Eeden wrote: »

No, you don't need 12 lessons in order to get your learner's permit. You need 12 lessons before you can sit your driving test.

i corrected it. you need to apply for and pass theory which means study /time. The issue is the Op needs transport now isn't it? Any move towards driving, even learner permit, takes time

Stheno

GoodLord wrote: »

i corrected it. you need to apply for and pass theory which means study /time. The issue is the Op needs transport now isn't it? Any move towards driving, even learner permit, takes time

It shouldn't take more than a week of study to pass that tbh

Ham Sambo

anna080 wrote: »

Naive isn't the word. Your mother broke her ankle and you expect to get a free house to make things handier for you??
OP there are families out there in circumstances far, far worse than this and they can't even get a house. Mothers having to take two or three busses or walk a mile in order to get their kids to school because their house/temporary hotel is so far away beause of current rent conditions; so, what do you think?

Come on, give the guy a break, he or she is asking for information on a topic they know nothing about.

GoodLord

Stheno wrote: »

It shouldn't take more than a week of study to pass that tbh

lol

Chattastrophe!

GoodLord wrote: »

lol

What's funny about that? You could easily pass that test with a couple of hours of study (or a bit of common sense), a week is a generous estimate!

Neyite

GoodLord wrote: »

lol

It took me a couple of afternoons & evenings to learn the theory. It's do-able.

LegacyUser

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

What's funny about that? You could easily pass that test with a couple of hours of study (or a bit of common sense), a week is a generous estimate!

They can't sit the test until they've held their learner permit for 6 months and taken 12 lessons so they won't be passing the test in a week.

As for driving on the learner permit with the mother in the car the OP has stated they took some lessons a few years back and they struggled so what happens if the OP has an issue while out driving and the mother is unable to take over the driving and they end up stuck at the side of the road? Not everyone picks driving up quickly and the whole point of having someone with a full licence in the car is so they can take over if needed.

OP you do need to learn how to drive when you live out the country but that doesn't solve the immediate issue. You say you worry about being isolated but aren't you already isolated if your only means of transport is your mum? What happens when shes at work or away? Your just going to have to ask others to help out, get stuff delivered that you'd normally collect and budget for the odd taxi expense. At least this time of year the weather isn't as awful as it could be and days are long so you can walk some of the way if you need to walk someway to a bus route.

m'lady

This guy came on looking for advice off those 'in the know', not 'know- it-alls' perhaps he was a bit naive but does he really need the smart arses out in force here? Give him a break for gods sake, he's obviously in a difficult situation and is trying to resolve it.

OP I'm really sorry the only advice I can offer would be to see a community welfare officer. I'd also be thinking hard as to who could possibly help you (car wise) over the next few weeks. In the mean time maybe look into online shopping or contact a local supermarket that I'm sure could deliver.

No Pants

cant log in wrote: »

They can't sit the test until they've held their learner permit for 6 months and taken 12 lessons so they won't be passing the test in a week.

I think they're referring to the Theory test.

ash23

OP I'm thinking of my parents who are living in a very isolated area. My mum had a knee op and can't drive. My dad can so it's not really much of an issue. But if he couldn't it would just be a case of me having to go up to them at weekends and do whatever little jobs needed doing. If something cropped up in the week when I was working, it would just have to wait.

If it were an emergency, they would have to ask the neighbours for help.

I would suggest that as your mother is near retirement age, she could look into seeing if there is a local support group nearby for older people. I know a lot of groups organise weekly transport from rural areas into the nearest town for shopping, picking up pension etc. I know it's not really exactly suited to your situation but I'm sure they'd be open to helping your mother for a few weeks.

The rules around rent allowance etc are quite strict and it's unlikely that your situation would be considered eligible for rent allowance. It's also unlikely that any landlord would consider letting a property for a couple of months so I'd say it's a non runner.

Glinda

OP it would be a good idea to talk to your mam and ask her if she has any plans for how things will work. I have a friend who needed a serious operation that left her unable to drive for months, her husband can't drive and she was given support by the HSE in the form of a driver for her three kids (not full time but as and when they needed it for school, medical appointments, grocery shopping etc.) for as long as the hospital consultant would certify that she couldn't drive. I'm not sure how she sourced the help but I think it was via the hospital social worker.

Miaireland

Op firstly you will not get temporary housing because your mother's broken ankle. As someone else suggested pop over to your neighbours and explained what has happened, maybe they could give you a shout if they are heading into town for a bit.

Look in your local area, they is bound to be someone running a taxi service, look into supermarkets, chemists who offer delievery. Maybe see if they are any local bus services available in your area (there are a couple of private buses in my area they bring people from the nearby countryside into town to do there shopping etc) your town may be the same. Consider contacting your local St. Vincent de Paul. I know my local branch have people who offer services to people who are housebound like picking up there shopping, bring them to the doctors etc. You could offer to cover the petrol.

meoklmrk91

OP there is no such thing as a free house, not even for those on the dole. Those on the dole get rent supplement to help them pay rent or a council house, waiting lists for these are 8-12 years sometimes longer depending on the circumstances, so there is no way you can get a free house.

If I was in your situation I would either get myself a bicycle or I would go to the road to the nearest town and thumb, most people will pick up someone they recognise and you might even be able to pick up a regular lift out of it.

sadie06

OP, with regards to your voluntary work, have you actually timed the cycle route? It may not be as long as you imagine! Others have suggested many good ways around issues that arise such as using buses, taxis, grocery delivery if available, but cycling would be very cost effective.

I would see all of this as a timely reminder that you cannot remain dependent on your mother forever. If she has encouraged this dependency, now is the time to show her that things need to change.

GoodLord

Are you near these http://www.ringalink.ie/

tenifan

happyviolet wrote: »

I remember my mother told me and my sis to say a Halloween rhyme to the people we visited to earn sweets!

Maybe you should sing the rhyme to the good folk in the dole office and see how far it gets you.

happyviolet wrote: »

I did think of renting a place at short-term, but my mother wouldnt want to spend money on that. She would not spend money unless absolutely necessary <SNIP> and obviously it isnt.

Answered your own question.

You said walking or cycling takes an hour or 2.. how any miles of a cycle is it?
I reckon you're within cycling distance from town.
Apart from that, taxi's or lifts are an option.

The notion your family (of adults!) will have to move into temporary accommodation because your mam broke her leg is quite laughable.

Tokyo

tenifan - there are ways of getting your point across without being insulting about it. As a new member here, please take the time out to read the forum charter, particularly the points about posting in a mature and constructive manner. Otherwise infractions will be issued.

Chris___ - same goes for you. Deleted comments can also be infracted.

Regards,
Mike

Mr. Incognito

Op you sound a bit sheltered and naive but if you are living in the country with mammy as a taxi it am not surprised

Short answer no.

Long answer buy a bike. It's summer FFs. At your age I was independent and living on my own paying rent.

Grab All Association

mike_ie wrote: »

tenifan - there are ways of getting your point across without being insulting about it. As a new member here, please take the time out to read the forum charter, particularly the points about posting in a mature and constructive manner. Otherwise infractions will be issued.

Chris___ - same goes for you. Deleted comments can also be infracted.

Regards,
Mike

What I posted was in support of the OP and pointed out other stuff about a certain Town Council which on June the 1st I can publish without breaching data protection laws well they can't do **** all after that because they will be abolished xD just took it down and in a few days I will share it in the AH section

Demonique

You already have a house, why would the social welfare office give you a new one? Don't be ridiculous