Social house?

RocketRaccoon

Folks, I am reaching out because tbh I am absolutely clueless here.

Our landlord has basically been forced to sell the house me and my family are living in since 2013, there is nothing at all to rent in the area so we are in a bit of bother now with what we are going to do.

It is myself, my wife and 3 kids(my daughter lives with us at weekends). I was told by someone a few years ago that because I have my daughter at weekends I would be entitled to a council/social house but again, I have no idea how true this is, would anybody know?

My wife and I both work full time, we don't claim anything at all but are in dire need of help now. There is no family we can move in with, due to the fact there are 5 of us. I don't want us to end up on the streets which is a constant thought in my head for the last few weeks/months.

Can anyone help with information?

Grab All Association

You’ll only qualify for social housing if your income is below the threshold set by the local authority. Even if you do qualify, there’s probably nothing available and other people of more priority.

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve seen people on Disability Allowance/JSA etc with children referred to homeless charities or put up in hotels. Novas in Thurles get referrals all the time of families.

Do you drive? If you do then it’ll be better to rent somewhere cheaper in another area. for your own and children’s welfare to commute to work and school rather than ending up in some family hub or emergency accommodation.

I’m sorry this isn’t the news you want to hear. I wish you the best of luck.

RocketRaccoon

Grab All Association wrote: »

You’ll only qualify for social housing if your income is below the threshold set by the local authority. Even if you do qualify, there’s probably nothing available and other people of more priority.

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve seen people on Disability Allowance/JSA etc with children referred to homeless charities or put up in hotels. Novas in Thurles get referrals all the time of families.

Do you drive? If you do then it’ll be better to rent somewhere cheaper in another area. for your own and children’s welfare to commute to work and school rather than ending up in some family hub or emergency accommodation.

I’m sorry this isn’t the news you want to hear. I wish you the best of luck.

Both my wife and I do drive but there is nothing even remotely in our price range within 20kms.

ED E

I work in Dublin, colleagues commute in from Wexford daily. Try looking a bit further out.

RocketRaccoon

ED E wrote: »

I work in Dublin, colleagues commute in from Wexford daily. Try looking a bit further out.

I don't live in Dublin, we're in a small town/rural area.

sasta le

Offer to buy from landlord?

Irishphotodesk

Can you post roughly where in the country so we might be able to see if there's anything suitable for you.

Also try local Facebook groups ... Plenty of helpful and knowledgeable people online.

ldy4mxonucwsq6

You can apply for council housing from your local council, be prepared for a very very lengthy wait to be housed though.

Maximum total household income thresholds are between approx 28k and 40k, that's for 2 adults and 3 or 4 kids. With both of you working full time it's unlikely that your household income is less than this, but if it is then the council will assess your eligibility for housing.

Limit depends on where you are based, all details including income thresholds are listed here:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/local_authority_and_social_housing/applying_for_local_authority_housing.html

You could also apply for HAP to help with rent costs, however you do need to be on the council housing list above first.

HAP scheme details here:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/housing_assistance_payment.html

If you get sorted out with HAP then you will be considered housed and removed from the council housing waiting list.

You can also check with local approved voluntary housing associations, but again you would need to be on the council housing list first.

splinter65

RocketRaccoon wrote: »

I don't live in Dublin, we're in a small town/rural area.

You will definitely have to broaden your house search considerably wider then 20km.

wifey28

What is your total household income? Income limits for social housing are quite low, 30-40K depending on what county you live in.
So if your income is over this then your not eligible to join the housing list or receive HAP

In most counties it takes up to 12 weeks to be assessed for the housing list, this is after you gather up all of the info they will require, birth and marriage certs, proof of incomes etc.

And even if you get onto the housing list theres a 15 year + wait in most counties to be housed. And the hap limits are fairly low too so youd be topping up the rent to the full amount (and you need to be able to pay the deposit and first months rent as hap is paid in arrears too

elperello

Have you received formal written notice from the LL?

Tenancies between 3 and 7 years require 180 days notice.

Your local Citizens Information office will be a useful source of advice.

Graces7

OP; where are you looking? when I was in a similar situation I went round asking at Post Offices, shops in villages, knocked on doors, asked in pubs. if anyone knew anywhere . I got what I needed. Sometimes places had not yet been advertised.

frustrated_

Based on previous posts I am guessing you are in Limerick area. However information below applies everywhere.

1. Check the family income limits for your area. These are NET amounts not Gross. Link Here

2. Apply to join social housing list (if you are within limits above) - Link Here

3. Apply for HAP - Link Here

4. Apply for Homeless HAP. Higher amount, includes deposit and payment made to landlord within a few days (Can only be done 28 days before termination date)

5. Find a landlord willing to take HAP (the hardest part).