Rent Allowance??? Scared new mum

MEME2985

Hi Im just looking for some advice, Iv just found out im pregnant and expecting my first baby next year, I live with my parents as i couldn't afford to move out previously i am 31 and in a long term relationship but he also lives with a relative that he looks after so moving in with a baby is not an option.This relative is a big smoker and drinker i dont feel comfortable there so cannot imagine it with a baby. Iv just been let go from work a month ago,so the timing is not ideal at all,but my family home has no room for a baby i am staying in the spare room which is very small it just fits a single bed and a chest of drawers no wardrobe or lockers,its not meant to be a bedroom let alone a bedroom with all the babies things. I am looking to move out but my question is can i look for rent allowance? Do i need to be living in a place for 6 months?What will they need to see from me , a friend suggested the housing department as my parents house will be classed as over crowded? I have no idea what i can or cannot claim and with no job im stressing on how to afford the rent and baby's things. Any suggestion would be fantastic ,Im trying not to let all this put a downer on a happy time for me. but it is scary to think i have no room for this baby.

Victor

MEME2985 wrote: »

Iv just found out im pregnant and expecting my first baby next year,

First off, congratulations.

I am looking to move out but my question is can i look for rent allowance? Do i need to be living in a place for 6 months?What will they need to see from me , a friend suggested the housing department as my parents house will be classed as over crowded?

You can apply for rent allowance and explain that it is due to unsuitability of existing accommodation. Part of that procedure includes joining the council's housing list. While children are prioritised on the housing list, there are also existing people on the list, so getting accommodation in the short term may depend on what is available locally or where you are willing to live. I imagine you won't be entitled to accommodation until nearer your due date.

There have been some changes to procedures, so your first stop would be to phone the Department of Social Protection and ask who you should talk to. Feel free to bring someone along when you go to talk to them.

senordingdong

First things first, you need to visit your community welfare officer at your local/nearest hse facility.
He/she will tell you all you need to know.

Edit, citizensinformation.ie will help you find your nearest.

MEME2985

Victor wrote: »

First off, congratulations.

You can apply for rent allowance and explain that it is due to unsuitability of existing accommodation. Part of that procedure includes joining the council's housing list. While children are prioritised on the housing list, there are also existing people on the list, so getting accommodation in the short term may depend on what is available locally or where you are willing to live. I imagine you won't be entitled to accommodation until nearer your due date.

There have been some changes to procedures, so your first stop would be to phone the Department of Social Protection and ask who you should talk to. Feel free to bring someone along when you go to talk to them.

Hi Thank you so so much!! This was so helpful and thank you for being so positive you've cheered me right up !!

MEME2985

senordingdong wrote: »

First things first, you need to visit your community welfare officer at your local/nearest hse facility.
He/she will tell you all you need to know.

Edit, citizensinformation.ie will help you find your nearest.

Thank you so much for your reply would you recommend going as soon as possible or closer to the due date?

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If you're in Dublin you need to go to the housing office in Christ church and get the housing forms.
File them in a bring any relevant paper work back to apply.
They should be able to give a letter which will allow you get private accomodation and rent allowance.

senordingdong

MEME2985 wrote: »

Thank you so much for your reply would you recommend going as soon as possible or closer to the due date?

As soon as possible definitely. The current situation in the rental market will make this a lengthy procedure.
They can guide you through a housing application and how to get rent allowance in the mean time.

Being in a relationship may be a factor too. Nonetheless, the CWO is the person with all the info.