A mother has revealed how she is struggling to make payments after experiencing housing problems.
Charmaine, who has four children aged 18, 17, nine and four, suffers from fibromyalgia and sciatica, while her eldest son also has autism and mobility problems.
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Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness.
The mother, who works part-time, originally lived in a rented house until it became infested with rats.
But in September 2022, she decided to leave her rented home of seven years due to its condition.
Charmain got a lawyer and went to the council, who said they had a duty of care to house her and her four children.
The mother said they were sent an hour and a half away from the children’s school and placed in a self-contained dormitory, which included two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom.
But this was a big difference from the previously rented three-bedroom house, which had a bathroom, dining room and garden.
And because her current home is much smaller, Charmaine has had to put away all of her life’s belongings.
She explained that the family could only take clothes, TV and essential items because the dormitory did not have the capacity to store everything.
Charmaine explained that storage cost £1 in the first month and £382 in subsequent months. But it went up in April last year by £440, then went up by a further £3 due to interest.
She says: “My 125 sq ft storage unit costs £443 a month, of which I receive no help from the council.
“I was told to apply for a DHP – Discretionary Housing Payment – claim for help, and they can only help with three months of storage costs.
“They gave me £700 for less than two months of storage costs.”
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to complete and submit an application to the local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government’s advice finder tool on their website.
Once you have access to your local council website, it should offer guidance on how to complete your application.
After signing up, you will likely have to join a waiting list.
Please note that even if you are placed on a waiting list, this does not guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also advise you on how to stay in your current home and resolve any problems you may have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
Are you eligible for apply for social housing if you are a British citizen living in the UK, as long as you have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to be on the housing register for their area, but these are based on a “points” or “band” system.
For example, you’re likely to receive a housing offer first if:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are trying to escape domestic violence
Once you’re at the top of the council’s waiting list, they will contact you when a property becomes available.
Some councils allow people to apply at 18, while others allow you to apply even earlier, at 16.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is achieved through a points system, so depending on your housing needs you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available properties once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit to how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
A Discretionary Housing Payment is a discretionary, short-term payment made in the UK that helps people with their housing costs.
Charmaine, who admits to receiving government assistance and working part-time, says the situation has affected her mental health.
She claims the board told her she would only be in this position for six weeks, but almost two years later it appears nothing has changed for her.
Charmain says: “This is literally making me suffer. I feel drained, my mental health. It’s a violation.”
They gave me £700 for less than two months of storage costs
Charmaine, mother of four
Charmaine revealed this in a video shared on his TikTok page, and it has since gone viral, with many rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “I was in this situation last year in hotels for months. I emailed the MP and was moved to a two-bed apartment the next day.
“I wish you all the best.”
Charmaine responded: “I keep hearing that everyone was moved when the MP was involved and God knows I want change so bad so I hope so.”
Another added: “I was in temporary accommodation for two years in a two-bedroom flat with four children, but ended up in a three-bedroom house through a housing association. It’s not easy at all.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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