Am I to become homeless?

Hi, I don't wish to scare monger here, but from my own experience, I lived in a two-bedroomed private rented property two years ago, which I shared with a friend as 'joint tenants'. My friend moved out without notice and when I enquired to housing benefit office as to what I should do about the rent shortfall I was told that I had to find 'cheaper suitable alternative accommodation'.(My property was cheaper than some one-bedroomed flats in the area, which I pointed out, only to be told, I was 'over accommodated') I receive DLA and was told that unless I received the 'highest rate care component', I was not entitled to the second bedroom for my needs.
I had to sign on to the social housing register and was offered two flats, 1st and second floor, no lift, which I declined as unsuitable. So my rent was restricted.
I receive high rate mobility and they did not give a fig about this.
Please seek advice about and don't just 'hope for the best'.
It took me two years to fight them in a tribunal, (I felt I had no alternative as I couldn't find cheaper, suitable blah blah accommodation) I did win, but I also ended up in debt, with no back-payment from HB.
I lost my home and presently house share with it's owner and no longer claim housing benefit.
Advice I sought from welfare rights simply said that I should find alternative accommodation, even though I couldn't find anything suitable, or in fact any cheaper !

I also read on a forum that after someone has been on JSA for 12 months their housing benefit will be reduced by ten percent. Which means the shortfall will have to be found out of their JSA payments.

However with the current rush to have DLA and ESA claimants transferred to JSA then that will effect a great many people in the future. Many will have to contend not only with a cut in money but a reduction in housing benefit on top of what they may currently be receiving.

I think you are right Jim. Less outside London, around £50 to £68 I think for a single person.

Taz, why don't you apply for ~DLA~ on the basis of your mental health problems. You really should be getting more help with your full rent and receiving dla will help keep the wolf from your door. The CAB can help you with the forms.

Hello again. I have other issues also. I have arthritis in my spine and it seems to have progressed to my shoulder now. My GP suspected that I had Fibromyalgia and guess who confirmed it. Yes, the Doctor who carried out my medical in 2006! He was a specialist in rheumatic disorders and I didn't mention Fibromyalgia. He did. He examined me and confirmed what my GP suspected.

I have lived with depression for so long now and have been worn down by other people and their reaction to mental illness. I now fear almost everyone and have lost friends and even family members because they cannot accept my anxiety.

There is no way I would have the courage to apply for DLA as I don't think I am entitled to it and feel ashamed to be claiming any kind of benefit at all. I was brought up with a strong work ethic and it really goes against the grain for me. It's scary enough waiting for the renewal of my IB and I can't breathe until the postman has been.

CAB have been slightly better than useless to me in the past.

Sorry to go on and hope some of you are still awake!

Hi tazman
If you are struggling at home with care and mobility needs, then you should apply for DLA. If you can explain yourself as best you can in the forms, (use the DLA guides on this website). If you do not qualify, you haven't lost anything, but you may gain a lot which could be beneficial to your quality of life. (Even if the Con-Dems get their way, it may not be for a few years yet anyway.)
I can tell you that I share your feelings with regard to claiming benefits, as most others do.We've all worked hard at some point or other and would do again if they had some miracle cures !
It's the media that have made us feel such guilt and shame. Shame on them I say !

Thanks for your concern 1smallpole. I appreciate what you say and I wish I had the guts to ask for more help. I have worked (sometimes 2 jobs) for decades as my family have. It's been work, colleagues and bosses who have hammered the nail in my coffin of courage and determination. Mainly due to a lack of understanding and isolation.