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matt asks...
Hi q2a
I'm lokking for somewhere to live after falling out wit my step dad. A mate who lives on a canal boat has said i could live with him, but woud i be able tio claim Job seekers & housing benefit? tHanx Matt.
What we suggest...
Hi matt, thanks for contacting q2a with your enquiry.
We are sorry to hear you have fallen out with your step dad and are now seeking somewhere else to live, however you don't tell us whether the problems could be sorted out, or mention your mum or other family members.
We are unaware whether you are studying, working or unemployed; however your enquiry regarding Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and Housing Benefit (HB) suggests the latter. As we have limited knowledge of your situation, the information and advice in our reply will have to be general in nature. If however you require a more detailed response, please feel free to contact us again with more details.
First of all if possible we would encourage you to try to resolve the problems with your family, and make a planned move into independent living, rather than the insecurity of any emergency or temporary accommodation. If it is an issue that can be resolved, but you feel uncomfortable talking directly to your parent/s, then maybe you could write a letter or ask a relative or friend to speak to them on your behalf. Maybe you want to say sorry but fear they may reject your overtures, perhaps they are feeling the same.
Another option may be to consider using a family mediation service. They offer confidential help and professional mediation to families, young people and children suffering a conflict in their family. For further information contact:
Lancashire Family Mediation Service
15 Cross Street
Preston PR1 3LT
Telephone: 01772 204248
www.lfms.co.uk/
§ For general advice on family matters: www.advicenow.org.uk
§ To find help in Lancashire for children, young people and families go to www.help4me.info
§ The Citizen's Advice Bureau can help people to solve their legal, money and other problems: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Whatever you are feeling about the situation, attempting to overcome your differences and make a planned move into your own accommodation would be the ideal situation.
If however the problems with your step dad cannot be resolved and you cannot return home, then you need to be fully aware of the options open to you.
You mention that a friend who has a canal boat and that he has invited you to stay with him. Living on boats has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people have discovered that it offers a potentially cheap and tranquil lifestyle. Houseboats are however no more immune to the ills of society than any other form of housing; in fact they are particularly vulnerable to break ins and anti social behaviour. This risk can to a considerable extent be reduced by having a mooring within a boatyard, marina or secure moorings. Therefore if you decide on this as your preferred option, be aware of the risks if your friend is permanently moored on a towpath.
You ask us whether you can claim JSA and Housing Benefit if living on a boat, well the answer is yes and no. The general rules to qualify for JSA include;
# Have capital of less than £16,000
# Be aged 18 or over and under state pension age
# Available for work and be actively seeking work
# Most students in higher education are also excluded from JSA
# from 27 October 2008, not be receiving employment and support allowance (ESA) and, if you are a member of a couple, your partner must not be receiving income-related ESA
# Not have a partner working 24 hours or more per week
# Resident in the UK
# Have the right to reside and be habitually resident in the Common Travel Area (the UK, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man)
If you meet these criteria then you may well be entitled to receive JSA, however problems may arise if your friend is working and is deemed responsible for your financial support. Also if he is in receipt of JSA, any claim you make may impact upon his and your claim.
The situation with HB is also complicated; to be eligible you must;
# Have capital and income below a fixed amount
# Be liable to make payments for your accommodation
# Occupy the accommodation as your home
# Have the right to reside and must pass the habitual residence test
With respect to claiming HB when sharing housing with a friend, problems may arise if there is no tenancy agreement or you are deemed not liable to make payments for accommodation.
We recommend you check out your eligibility for JSA with;
# Jobcentre Plus, 31a Church Street, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 3QTTel: 01695 694900. To make a claim for benefit call: 0800 055 6688 Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
And Housing Benefit with;
# The Benefits Section at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, West Lancashire, L39 2DF. Tel: 01695 585080. Email:housing.benefits@westlancsdc.gov.uk
More information on life afloat can be found via Residential Boat Owners Association www.rboa.org.uk/
It may however be simpler to consider looking at more mainstream forms of housing such as a Council and Housing Association (HA) flat. Certainly any application for Council or HA housing will not disqualify you from either JSA or HB. They also have the benefit of providing you with secure accommodation through a tenancy agreement. We would advise you to discuss your full housing options with your local housing department; they can be contacted at;
# Housing Options, West Lancashire District Council, 61 Westgate, Edden House, Sandy Lane Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 8LP. Tel: 01695 585271. Email: housingoptions@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Finally for information and advice on this or any other issue there are two Infocentres for young people in your area, these are;
# 2 - 4 Knowsley Road, Ormskirk. Tel 01695 583030. Open Thursday and Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 4.30pm.
# Unit 73 The Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale. Tel: 01695 737190. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.30a.m. - 5.00p.m, Tuesday 10.30a.m. - 5.00p.m, Friday 9.30a.m. - 4.30p.m.and Saturday 11.15a.m. - 2.15p.m.
We hope this reply is helpful and that you can resolve your housing problems in the near future.
Best wishes q2a.
Expert advice and every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information on this page is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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