Social housing

dobbs2210

Hi, I'm looking for some guidance and advice. Basically I've gone back to college last September and im 26 still living at home. I don't drink, smoke or take drugs. I'm having alot of problems at home so I desperately need to move out. I'm receiving Back to Education allowance and SUSI College grant fees paid direct to the college. I've never rented or lived outside the family home. How would I best go about securing accommodation, could I apply for social housing or rent allowance?

Stheno

dobbs2210 wrote: »

Hi, I'm looking for some guidance and advice. Basically I've gone back to college last September and im 26 still living at home. I don't drink, smoke or take drugs. I'm having alot of problems at home so I desperately need to move out. I'm receiving Back to Education allowance and SUSI College grant fees paid direct to the college. I've never rented or lived outside the family home. How would I best go about securing accommodation, could I apply for social housing or rent allowance?

To rent, you need to prove you have a need for alternative accomodation, or be paying rent six months privately.

For social housing, you go on a waiting list which can take years.

I'm afraid you don't have any real options here unless you move out, pay rent for the six months and then apply.

Immaculata

It used to be that one could move out from the family home and apply for rent allowance, and if one's income was below a certain level, rent allowance was granted. But that was changed a few years ago, and now you have to be renting private accommodation/living independently for six months at least - as well as being under the income threshold - to be able to apply. This new regulation is IMHO to discourage young people from going it alone and bumping up the cost of social welfare bill, when they could be living at home and saving the state money. It's a bit tricky though when it comes to people like yourself who are having problems, unfortunately.

I suggest you contact your local council and submit an application for social housing. This is a long term thing and you won't be getting assigned somewhere for probably eight years or so, minimum. But submitting the application means that you have had your housing needs assessed, and this is an essential first step to eventually becoming eligible for rent allowance. Get your name on the waiting list.

While you're in touch with the council, ask to speak with the homeless services outreach officer. I don't know what kind of difficulties you're facing, but you might benefit from discussing your situation with him or her.

You could get a side job and find a cheap house share, but depending on your situation, you might be better off just putting up with your current residence until you finish your studies.

Good luck.

dobbs2210

Immaculata wrote: »

It used to be that one could move out from the family home and apply for rent allowance, and if one's income was below a certain level, rent allowance was granted. But that was changed a few years ago, and now you have to be renting private accommodation/living independently for six months at least - as well as being under the income threshold - to be able to apply. This new regulation is IMHO to discourage young people from going it alone and bumping up the cost of social welfare bill, when they could be living at home and saving the state money. It's a bit tricky though when it comes to people like yourself who are having problems, unfortunately.

I suggest you contact your local council and submit an application for social housing. This is a long term thing and you won't be getting assigned somewhere for probably eight years or so, minimum. But submitting the application means that you have had your housing needs assessed, and this is an essential first step to eventually becoming eligible for rent allowance. Get your name on the waiting list.

While you're in touch with the council, ask to speak with the homeless services outreach officer. I don't know what kind of difficulties you're facing, but you might benefit from discussing your situation with him or her.

You could get a side job and find a cheap house share, but depending on your situation, you might be better off just putting up with your current residence until you finish your studies.

Good luck.

Thanks a million for that advice. I'm going to apply for social housing and take that step anyway. It's starting to become near impossible to live at home any longer while attending college and studying.

maryk123

I agree with above post. Apply for social housing and I would also apply for rent allowance. Exceptions can be made for anything. Make a good enough case with proof and apply and wait and see it might be a yes. If not appeal.