Social/council Housing

Faukaulol

Hi there ... hoping someone can advise me please ... Am I eligible for council housing?
I currently stay with my sister. My ex owns what was our family home. I've been staying with my sister for 6 months now, in her spare room with my two boys. What is the time frame between applying & actually having a place to live? If I was entitled to rent assistance, I don't mind renting as we need our own home, obviously preferable to have a forever home without moving us every cpl years, but as my name has never been on housing list will I be considered for a home if I apply now? I obviously cannot afford to buy or rent a home through my own means. I receive a social welfare payment & I've thrawled the Internet, papers & any contacts I knew to rent an affordable place - this is IMPOSSIBLE! Rents starting at €1200! I understand we have a homeless crisis & myself & children are not on the streets like some poor unfortunates, which I'm grateful for, however one room for 3 is extremely unsuitable.
Any help, advice greatly appreciated - cheers

Thoie

You're still technically "homeless". Absolutely go and apply - they won't be long telling you if you're not eligible. Unfortunately you could be waiting 10+ years for a council house, but in the interim you'd probably be eligible for some kind of rent assistance. Nothing to lose by talking to them.

Faukaulol

Thoie wrote: »

You're still technically "homeless". Absolutely go and apply - they won't be long telling you if you're not eligible. Unfortunately you could be waiting 10+ years for a council house, but in the interim you'd probably be eligible for some kind of rent assistance. Nothing to lose by talking to them.

Thank you Thoie ... are we deemed as homeless!!? Even if we have a roof over our heads I mean?

blanch152

Faukaulol wrote: »

Thank you Thoie ... are we deemed as homeless!!? Even if we have a roof over our heads I mean?

Yes, that is one of the reasons why the figures are so high in Ireland for homelessness.

LorelaiG

You'd be classed as overcrowded which would mean you probably would be entitled to homeless HAP payment, which is higher than the normal rate of HAP. Go down to your council tomorrow, apply to be on the housing list asap and then apply for HAP.

Thoie

Faukaulol wrote: »

Thank you Thoie ... are we deemed as homeless!!? Even if we have a roof over our heads I mean?

I was technically counted among the "homeless" last year, as I had temporarily moved back in with my parents (I'd sold my house, and the new house was delayed). The homeless statistics cover everything from the misfortunate sleeping on the street, to people like me, with a bedroom to myself in a comfortable location. There's a huge range of situations in between, yours being probably one of the more common ones. Fingers crossed you get the help you need.

Zaph

Moved from Dublin 15 forum

Faukaulol

LorelaiG wrote: »

You'd be classed as overcrowded which would mean you probably would be entitled to homeless HAP payment, which is higher than the normal rate of HAP. Go down to your council tomorrow, apply to be on the housing list asap and then apply for HAP.

Any idea of timeframe between applying & actually being awarded the allowance? I'm hoping to out of my sisters in time to be settled with my boys in a home for Christmas?

Faukaulol

Thoie wrote: »

I was technically counted among the "homeless" last year, as I had temporarily moved back in with my parents (I'd sold my house, and the new house was delayed). The homeless statistics cover everything from the misfortunate sleeping on the street, to people like me, with a bedroom to myself in a comfortable location. There's a huge range of situations in between, yours being probably one of the more common ones. Fingers crossed you get the help you need.

🀞- thanks
Isn't it very dramatic to class all those cases as "homeless". When I think of homeless people, I think sleeping on the streets. Panic & Media!

splinter65

Faukaulol wrote: »

Any idea of timeframe between applying & actually being awarded the allowance? I'm hoping to out of my sisters in time to be settled with my boys in a home for Christmas?

You have to climb the hurdle of applying to be considered as in need of housing. Then once you’ve been approved as in need of housing they will send a HAP application form to you. Then you will need to look for private rented accommodation within the rent limits for your area, agree a lease/rental agreement with the landlord, both of you complete the HAP form, return it to the local authority, await approval and move in.
You can pick a place above the rent limits but be aware that you will be paying the excess to the landlord NOT the local authority and there will be no assistance from SW.

splinter65

Faukaulol wrote: »

🀞- thanks
Isn't it very dramatic to class all those cases as "homeless". When I think of homeless people, I think sleeping on the streets. Panic & Media!

There's alot of people out there making good use out of the "homeless crisis".
In order to be re-elected PBP type politicians need their voters to believe that the capitalist pig government elected by the stupid sheep electorate are keeping all the money from the magic money tree for themselves to buy fur coats for they wives while children lie starving in doorways at night.
The very well paid CEOs of various homeless charities need you to believe it too because if there are not 50 million people homeless then why are they being paid €150000 to sort it out?

LorelaiG

You may be stuck until after Christmas, you'll have no problem being accepted onto the housing list quickly enough, HAP can take a bit longer, we applied in April and only for me chasing them because my landlord was antsy I'd probably still be waiting, we signed the forms on July 17th I was in a property already though and just transferring to HAP.

handlemaster

Faukaulol wrote: »

Hi there ... hoping someone can advise me please ... Am I eligible for council housing?
I currently stay with my sister. My ex owns what was our family home. I've been staying with my sister for 6 months now, in her spare room with my two boys. What is the time frame between applying & actually having a place to live? If I was entitled to rent assistance, I don't mind renting as we need our own home, obviously preferable to have a forever home without moving us every cpl years, but as my name has never been on housing list will I be considered for a home if I apply now? I obviously cannot afford to buy or rent a home through my own means. I receive a social welfare payment & I've thrawled the Internet, papers & any contacts I knew to rent an affordable place - this is IMPOSSIBLE! Rents starting at €1200! I understand we have a homeless crisis & myself & children are not on the streets like some poor unfortunates, which I'm grateful for, however one room for 3 is extremely unsuitable.
Any help, advice greatly appreciated - cheers

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

LorelaiG

handlemaster wrote: »

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

Stop being so ****ing callous and get off your high horse. This woman has recently been through a separation and has had to move herself and her two boys away, we don't know if she possibly had to give up a job to make that move and just hasn't been able to source another yet. People who work are entitled to HAP too you know, we get it and my husband works a full time job.

handlemaster

LorelaiG wrote: »

handlemaster wrote: »

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

Stop being so ****ing callous and get off your high horse. This woman has recently been through a separation and has had to move herself and her two boys away, we don't know if she possibly had to give up a job to make that move and just hasn't been able to source another yet. People who work are entitled to HAP too you know, we get it and my husband works a full time job.

No mention of work. Perhaps OP can clarify for the emotional last poster ?

BowWow

handlemaster wrote: »

No mention of work. Perhaps OP can clarify for the emotional last poster ?

Clarification on support from children's father would be useful too.

LorelaiG

I'm not emotional, not sure where you got that from just because I told you to stop being callous.

I'm just saying that you don't know her circumstances so don't judge. Typical that you think that just because she posts asking what supports she can access that she's a scrounger and that you all are entitled to know what the father's involvement is. It's none of your business. She asked about HAP and going on the council list, nothing else, she didn't ask for your advice on getting a job, even if she did get one she's entitled to apply for housing supports, they're not exclusively for people who don't work.

AndrewJRenko

BowWow wrote: »

Clarification on support from children's father would be useful too.

http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2017/11/16/wheres-the-father-is-what-i-want-to-know/

vectorvictor

handlemaster wrote: »

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

Your lack understanding of life is scary.
Uneducated , unsympathetic, lack of awareness combined with apparent attitude difficulties and an elitist approach to human factors you feel can be simplified with a one line solution.

But it's ok, you probably have a degree so can masquerade as educated when the reality is quite something different.

handlemaster

vectorvictor wrote: »

handlemaster wrote: »

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

Your lack understanding of life is scary.
Uneducated , unsympathetic, lack of awareness combined with apparent attitude difficulties and an elitist approach to human factors you feel can be simplified with a one line solution.

But it's ok, you probably have a degree so can masquerade as educated when the reality is quite something different.

Judge much ! This is a typical PC reply can anyone question the facts without been classed anything. Wheres all the free thinking gone. I dont accept that just because your separated you should automatically get a free house , children or no.children. I certainly wouldnt expect it for myself so why would I accept it should be the normal course for others. Why does your argument attack the poster comment and little else to offer

AndrewJRenko

handlemaster wrote: »

I dont accept that just because your separated you should automatically get a free house , children or no.children.

Social housing isn't free. Get your facts right.

LorelaiG

handlemaster wrote: »

Judge much ! This is a typical PC reply can anyone question the facts without been classed anything. Wheres all the free thinking gone. I dont accept that just because your separated you should automatically get a free house , children or no.children. I certainly wouldnt expect it for myself so why would I accept it should be the normal course for others. Why does your argument attack the poster comment and little else to offer

It's not a free house, you're oversimplifying things here, you pay rent in line with your income when you are offered a council house or are on HAP. It's not free. What do you think a single mother with two children's chances are of securing a mortgage while she pays out childcare and bills from a full-time job?

handlemaster

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

handlemaster wrote: »

I dont accept that just because your separated you should automatically get a free house , children or no.children.

Social housing isn't free. Get your facts right.

Housing funded by the public purse is either free or a nominal charge.. which in all likelyhood comes from another social payment. Most in the working world would consider the charges been so small its considered free housing

handlemaster

LorelaiG wrote: »

handlemaster wrote: »

Judge much ! This is a typical PC reply can anyone question the facts without been classed anything. Wheres all the free thinking gone. I dont accept that just because your separated you should automatically get a free house , children or no.children. I certainly wouldnt expect it for myself so why would I accept it should be the normal course for others. Why does your argument attack the poster comment and little else to offer

It's not a free house, you're oversimplifying things here, you pay rent in line with your income when you are offered a council house or are on HAP. It's not free. What do you think a single mother with two children's chances are of securing a mortgage while she pays out childcare and bills from a full-time job?

Why would she need to buy why not rent. Are you imploying a woman needs a partner to have kids without the public giving her money ?

AndrewJRenko

handlemaster wrote: »

Housing funded by the public purse is either free or a nominal charge.. which in all likelyhood comes from another social payment. Most in the working world would consider the charges been so small its considered free housing

Social housing isn't free. You can consider all you like, but that doesn't change the facts.


Social housing isn't free.

But if the working world is so concerned about getting things for free, maybe it would like to focus internally, and look at all the areas where Government hands out money to businesses for free? Here's one small example of many:

https://intertradeireland.com/brexit/brexit-start-to-plan-vouchers/

Maybe the working world would like to sort out its own problems before coming lecturing others?

LorelaiG

handlemaster wrote: »

Why would she need to buy why not rent. Are you imploying a woman needs a partner to have kids without the public giving her money ?

And if she can't afford a mortgage, what makes you think she can afford 1000 plus euro a month in rent, while paying childcare and bills? We certainly can't and I have a husband who works full time, so we don't have childcare issues (well we do, since I'm returning to education but that's my problem, not yours) really. Who said anything about her needing a partner? Most people these days can't afford or get a mortgage, that's the reality.

vectorvictor

handlemaster wrote: »

Judge much !

Good one

Sleeper12

Thoie wrote:

I was technically counted among the "homeless" last year, as I had temporarily moved back in with my parents (I'd sold my house, and the new house was delayed). The homeless statistics cover everything from the misfortunate sleeping on the street, to people like me, with a bedroom to myself in a comfortable location. There's a huge range of situations in between, yours being probably one of the more common ones. Fingers crossed you get the help you need.

That's not quite true. Whoever told you that you were part of the homeless figures was wrong. Homeless figures do NOT include people in your situation nor Ops situation. Nor do they include people couch suffering.

If homeless figures included couch surfing the number would double. If you went further and included people like yourself, an adult living with their parents, the figure would be well over 100,000.

My own adult children live with us and neither of them are concidered homeless

Sleeper12

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/homeless-figures-were-added-up-incorrectly-855461.html

The most recently published figures showed a record number of 9,846 people in emergency accommodation in May.

Please note where it stated 9846 people in emergency accommodation. This does not include staying with family members, couch surfing, or even women in shelters. The homeless figures only include people in official emergency accommodation

handlemaster

LorelaiG wrote: »

handlemaster wrote: »

Why would she need to buy why not rent. Are you imploying a woman needs a partner to have kids without the public giving her money ?

And if she can't afford a mortgage, what makes you think she can afford 1000 plus euro a month in rent, while paying childcare and bills? We certainly can't and I have a husband who works full time, so we don't have childcare issues (well we do, since I'm returning to education but that's my problem, not yours) really. Who said anything about her needing a partner? Most people these days can't afford or get a mortgage, that's the reality.

There are lots of three bed houses outside the the main cities are not even 800 per month. As for the rest of your statement its not making much sence.

Gatling

May I suggest another forum for this discussion ,
Most people come here for honest advice on SW it's usually not the place for an ongoing discussion on people's circumstances or choices .

I'm only suggesting it as this isn't like every other forum

myshirt

If you previously owned a home, will this impact your ability to be admitted to the council list?

Something to consider, even if you lost it through hard times or a relationship break down.

Sleeper12

myshirt wrote:

If you previously owned a home, will this impact your ability to be admitted to the council list?

Won't op be years on the waiting list for a council house? Some people are 10 years on the waiting list. Even being a lone parent would have her years on the list afaik

Would op not be better off looking for somewhere to rent?

splinter65

myshirt wrote: »

If you previously owned a home, will this impact your ability to be admitted to the council list?

Something to consider, even if you lost it through hard times or a relationship break down.

You have to have evidence that you no longer have a financial “interest” in any house. A letter from your solicitor who dealt with the disposal of the house is easy to get. This letter would mention if you had any financial settlement from the disposal of the house.

splinter65

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Won't op be years on the waiting list for a council house? Some people are 10 years on the waiting list. Even being a lone parent would have her years on the list afaik

Would op not be better off looking for somewhere to rent?

If the OP wants to get financial state help with the rent then she needs to be on the housing list. Then she can apply for HAP.

myshirt

splinter65 wrote: »

If the OP wants to get financial state help with the rent then she needs to be on the housing list. Then she can apply for HAP.

But she may not get on that housing list if she had a property in the past. No hap then.

BowWow

Faukaulol wrote: »

My ex owns what was our family home.

OP seems to indicate that she has left family home, sounds like it was owned by ex prior to it being a family home?

splinter65 wrote: »

You have to have evidence that you no longer have a financial “interest” in any house. A letter from your solicitor who dealt with the disposal of the house is easy to get. This letter would mention if you had any financial settlement from the disposal of the house.

myshirt wrote: »

But she may not get on that housing list if she had a property in the past. No hap then.

This is why I said previously that details of support from children's father/ex would be useful in trying to give her advice, but my comment was taken as condemnation of her position. Without full details of her circumstances it is very hard to advise.

splinter65

myshirt wrote: »

But she may not get on that housing list if she had a property in the past. No hap then.

Yes there are many reasons you may not be admitted to the housing list. Not everyone is considered as in need of housing and if your not in need for housing then you won't get HAP.

Sir Oxman

handlemaster wrote: »

Housing funded by the public purse is either free or a nominal charge.. which in all likelyhood comes from another social payment. Most in the working world would consider the charges been so small its considered free housing

You need to back off and take your BS to After Hours
This forum is meant for advice no matter what the question.
Not some ignorant opinion piece.

Reported.

Faukaulol

handlemaster wrote: »

Here is what some people might think as crazy, but did you think perhaps getting a job like so many others with kids do ?

Well Hello Handlemaster,

I'm only seeing your reply!

Firstly, thank you for taking the time out of your perfect little existence to reply.

Secondly, Yes I receive a social welfare payment & it's called invalidity pension. I recieve this payment for a reason. Not that it's any of your business - but I can tell your a concerned citizen; I worked full time up until a few years ago & have well paid my taxes.

Tip: Maybe try to broaden that mind of yours. Don't tar everyone with the same brush! Just because one may fall from one bracket into another does not make them any less of a person than yourself.

Faukaulol

BowWow wrote: »

OP seems to indicate that she has left family home, sounds like it was owned by ex prior to it being a family home?





This is why I said previously that details of support from children's father/ex would be useful in trying to give her advice, but my comment was taken as condemnation of her position. Without full details of her circumstances it is very hard to advise.

The house was & still is owned by my ex. My name is not on this property.

Faukaulol

Faukaulol wrote: »

The house was & still is owned by my ex. My name is not on this property.

I thought it wouldn’t matter that your name wasn’t on the deeds. It was the family home.

If you haven’t already done so, you really need legal advice. It’s not a straight forward case. Good Luck.

splinter65

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I thought it wouldn’t matter that your name wasn’t on the deeds. It was the family home.

If you haven’t already done so, you really need legal advice. It’s not a straight forward case. Good Luck.

She doesn’t have a financial interest in the family home so it wouldn’t affect her eligibility for HAP

myshirt

splinter65 wrote: »

She doesn’t have a financial interest in the family home so it wouldn’t affect her eligibility for HAP

Double check that in case your information is stale. That's all I'm saying. Be on the safe side.

BBFAN

Deleted User wrote:

I thought it wouldn’t matter that your name wasn’t on the deeds. It was the family home.

Deleted User wrote:

If you haven’t already done so, you really need legal advice. It’s not a straight forward case. Good Luck.

I agree this will cause complications if your ex is the father of the children etc.