Help with your housing needs
If you are worried about having nowhere suitable to live, find out more about the housing support available for you depending on your personal situation.
The first time we speak to you we'll ask questions about your situation. We are responsible for helping you if we think that you are at risk of becoming homeless.
We may also be contacted by other organisations if they think that you are at risk of becoming homeless. This is called the duty to refer.
We can offer support in different housing situations. Our Housing Options Team want to help as best they can and will have the best advice for you, please contact Housing Options.
Arrears on social rented accommodation
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to arrears on social rented accommodation
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· We need to know if a notice been issued, if there is there a Possession Order or Eviction Warrant. | · We will need copies of these documents from you. We can explain Court process & access to suitable support at hearings · Ask if the Housing Officer to abstain from further action - establish on what terms this could happen · Raise awareness of the consequences of a possible intentionally homeless decision |
· We need the name, address and contact number for your Housing Officer or Rent Officer. | · We will contact your landlord and ask for a summary of your tenancy history. We will be asking when did the arrears start/ why/ what support has been offered and if you are otherwise good tenants? This may affect actions relating to your application. |
· We will need you to tell us about the status of a claim for housing costs under Universal Credit or Housing Benefit | · We will want to see your Universal Credit claim or gather details of your other benefit claims · Explore history of a claim for housing costs under Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and maximise current claim (can any deductions for arrears / overpayment be managed better, any likelihood of underpayment)? |
· We will want you to provide evidence of anything that makes you more vulnerable suchlike health & wellbeing issues | · We may contact others to find out more about your vulnerabilities and advise you about how this may influence your application |
· You will need to provide the contact details of any other professionals working with you such as support workers/ Social Care? | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support and will look into how well you are engaging with the services offered to you - including tenancy sustainment. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody who can take action to help you keep your home. |
· You will need to tell us about your income and expenditure and give us copies of bank statements · Complete an income and expenditure sheet · Consider access to employment where appropriate | · We will look at how you have been managing money and advise you about how this may affect your application · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) |
· You will need to tell us about any other debt you have | · We will recommend that you seek appropriate support to address your debt · We can signpost to debt management charities like Step Change |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Look for alternative accommodation | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for private rented accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme |
Domestic abuse
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to domestic abuse
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us about your experience of abuse. You may find it easier to write a statement or do this with someone to support you | · We will listen without judgement to your experiences and hear about the nature of the abuse · Complete a DASH risk assessment with you to see if a referral to the Essex Multi Agency Risk Assessment Team (MARAT) is appropriate |
· Tell us about any practitioners who are aware of the abuse you have suffered · Provide the details of any professionals are involved suchlike the Police/ Safer Places/ MARAC | · We will contact them to find out more about the risk of harm to you and how this will affect your accommodation options · We will consider where is safe or unsafe for you to be · We will ask about others in your household and consider if they are at risk too · Gather information from the Police/ MARAC to better understand risks · Consider referral for family support if children are present |
· Tell us about the support you have from family/ friends or wider networks | · Signpost or offer to refer to appropriate agencies for additional support, for example Safer Places |
· Contact National Domestic Violence helpline for advice on legal action (occupation / restraining orders) · Seek additional legal advice | · Explore whether it is safe for you to go home under any circumstances · Consider Sanctuary Scheme · Direct to CAB for advice on legal aid, suggest contacting a solicitor regarding rights to the family home |
· Tell us about where you have been living and if you have anywhere safe to stay | · Look to find a safe place for you to be accommodated. This may be out of the area or a Refuge placement in the short-term. |
· Tell us about any income you have | · General benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Look for alternative accommodation | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for private rented accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme |
End of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to end of Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us what type of action has been taken by the landlord? Has a notice been issued or is there a Possession Order / Eviction Warrant? · Tell us if there any rent arrears, if so when did they start? Has there been any breach of tenancy? · Confirm if a deposit been paid? If so has it been protected a government registered scheme? · Provide name, address and contact number for Landlord | · Contact landlord and explore option of abstaining from further action- establish on what terms this could happen · Explore reconciliation / mediation · Explain court process & access to suitable support at hearings |
· Tell us where you have been living, and for how long? · Gain advice on rights, contact CAB / Shelter/ private solicitor |
· Make relevant checks with both internal and external agencies to verify your housing history |
· Tell us about children or other members of the household and explain who are they staying with short and long term | · Provide advice on visiting children and non- dependant adults in relation to our allocation policy |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Look for alternative accommodation · Explore if there is any family that you could stay with · Consider access to employment | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for private rented accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme & raise awareness to intentionality investigations · Consider supported accommodation referral - Bromfield House · If pregnant consider referral for Railway Meadow |
· You will need to provide the contact details of any other professionals working with you such as support workers/ Social Care? | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody. · Establish any vulnerabilities (addiction, health & wellbeing) |
· You will need to tell us about your income and expenditure and provide us copies of | · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income |
Care leavers
Advice for care leavers
· Work with your Personal Advisor to ensure that your needs are understood and that you understand your rights and the duty the Local Authority has to you
· Work with the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice on maximising your income (maybe claiming benefits or managing debt). You may be exempt from some benefit caps.
· Get advice on your eligibility for the Housing Register
· If it is not possible to stay in your own home start looking for privately rented accommodation and ask Housing Options about the the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme
· Look for places where house shares are advertised, local newspapers and shop windows, social media
· Consider if supported accommodation would be beneficial for you. It may be that you don't feel ready to live independently just yet.
· Find out about what other support is available from local charities/ services
· Think about how you can improve your education, training or employment
People leaving hospital
Advice for people leaving hospital
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Work with medical practitioners and care providers to ensure that your health needs are fully assessed and understood | · We will liaise with medical practitioners and care providers to ensure that we fully understand your needs. |
· Work with the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice on maximising your income (maybe claiming benefits or managing debt) & for legal advice on your rights | · We can refer you to the Citizens Advice Bureau and Peabody support service. We can also advise you of Multi Agency working Groups who may be able to assist. |
· Obtain advice on your eligibility for the Housing Register, | · We can advise you on this and how you can get help in putting on an application if you are unable to complete it yourself |
· If it is not possible to stay in your own home and you are not eligible for the housing register you need to start looking for privately rented accommodation and ask Housing Options about the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme Guarantee Scheme. | · We can assist you with finding privately rented accommodation by contacting Landlords on your behalf. We can discuss our rent Deposit Scheme with them. |
· Consider if supported or sheltered accommodation may be beneficial for you | · We can advise you of various schemes in the District. |
· Find out about what other support is available from local charities/services. |
· We can signpost you to any relevant services . |
Mental illness
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to mental illness
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us about why you cannot continue to stay at home · Give us the names, addresses and contact number for your landlord or family of where you have been staying | · Speak to your landlord or family about why you have to leave · Consider if it is reasonable for you to go home · The Council can refer you to Essex Trailblazer, Homeless Prevention Mentor. They can work with you closely to help you negotiate with your current landlord, get benefits in place and help you oppose any court action that your landlord maybe considering. |
· Give us the contact details of any practitioners involved, any support workers (the Community Mental Health Team or Mind for example)? · It is important to engage and work with medical practitioners and care providers to ensure that your health needs are fully assessed and understood. · Help is readily available. You can self- refer to many of the services listed below. All services are confidential. Most are free. · Some of the services will offer advocacy. This means that they can speak on your behalf or support you in situations which you find difficult. · Many of the agencies listed below can also help you with managing day to day tasks such as managing your money, filling in forms and claiming benefits. Ask them about this service. · To help you contact support services, you can use the free internet access available at local libraries in Uttlesford. You may have to book your session. | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support and will look into how well you are engaging with the services offered to you. · We can refer to other agencies who can provide support. · We would like to work with anyone that is currently helping you to manage or an advocate. · Useful contacts are listed below. There may be other help available from local charities. Your Housing Options Officer on the CAB can advise you further. |
· Tell us about your income and expenditure · If you are having problems with debt, the Citizens Advice Bureau can help you with your finances. They can help and advise you on how to maximise your income. They can help you with benefit claims and with debt management. | · Provide general benefit advice, refer to the Citizens Advice Bureau or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · If it is not possible to stay in your own home you will need to start looking for privately rented accommodation. The Council may be able to assist you under theRent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. | · We will assess your basic housing needs, your age will affect your options · Advise on possibility of privately renting · The Council will also advise you on your eligibility for the Housing Register. If you are eligible we will help you to put on a Housing Register Application and assess your application as soon as possible. · The Council can also refer you for supported accommodation. There are different levels of support. For some types you will need to be linked in with the Community Mental Health Team. |
Leaving custody
Advice for people experiencing homelessness after leaving custody
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us about where you were living before you went into Prison and why you are unable to return | · Explore whether it is possible for you to return · Raise awareness of the consequences of a possible intentionally homeless decision · Find out more about your accommodation history |
· You will need to tell us the name and contact number for your Probation Officer/ Offender Manager where applicable · Engage with the Authorities responsible for managing your risk of re-offending · You will need to share with us the details of your licence if you are still subject to conditions | · We will contact your Probation Officer/ Offender Manager to establish if there are any offending issues that affect your housing options |
· We will want you to provide evidence of anything that makes you more vulnerable suchlike health & wellbeing issues | · We may contact others to find out more about your vulnerabilities and advise you about how this may influence your application |
· You will need to provide the contact details of any other professionals working with you such as support workers/ Social Care? · Find out about what other support is available from local charities/ services | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support and will look into how well you are engaging with the services offered to you. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody who can take action to help you. |
· You will need to tell us about your income and expenditure and give us copies of bank statements · Complete an income and expenditure sheet · Think about how you can improve your education, training or employment · Work with the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice on maximising your income (and claiming benefits) | · We will want to see your Universal Credit claim or gather details of your other benefit claims · We will contact your work coach for information on your claim · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Start looking for privately rented accommodation and ask Housing Options about the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Get advice on your eligibility for the Housing Register · Consider if supported accommodation would be beneficial for building your independence | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for Private Rented Accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme |
Former members of the armed forces
Advice for former members of the Armed Forces
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us where you have been living, and for how long? · Gain advice on rights, contact CAB / Shelter/ private solicitor | · Make relevant checks with both internal and external agencies to verify your housing history and armed force connection |
· Tell us about children or other members of the household and explain who are they staying with short and long term | · General benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Signpost to debt management charities like Step Change · Complete income and expenditure sheet |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Look for alternative accommodation · Explore if there is any family that you could stay with · Consider access to employment and improving education | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for private rented accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme- there are exceptions and additional priority for some with a history in HM Armed Forces · Consider supported accommodation referral - Bromfield House · Make a referral to a specialist organisation the support ex-armed forces to provide additional support |
· You will need to provide the contact details of any other professionals working with you such as support workers/ Mental Health? | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody. · Establish any vulnerabilities (addiction, health & wellbeing) |
· You will need to tell us about your income and expenditure and give us copies of bank statements · Complete an income and expenditure sheet
· Tell us of any savings you may have · Advise us if there more debt beyond arrears if applicable | · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) · Establish the status of a claim for housing costs under Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
· Explore history of a claim for housing costs under Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and maximise current claim (can any deductions for arrears / overpayment be managed better, any likelihood of underpayment? |
Parental eviction
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to parental eviction
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us about why there has been a breakdown and why you cannot continue to stay at home · Give us the names, addresses and contact number for parents | · Speak to your parent(s)/ guardian(s) and hear from them why they are asking you to leave. · Consider if it is reasonable for you to go home |
· Give us the contact details of any practitioners involved, any support workers/ Social Care? | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support and will look into how well you are engaging with the services offered to you - including tenancy sustainment. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody who can take action to help you keep your home. |
· Tell us about your income and expenditure | · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Consider alternative accommodation · Think about other family that you could live with | · We will assess your basic housing needs, your age will affect your options · Advise on possibility of supported accommodation · Advise on possibility of privately renting · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme |
· We will want you to provide evidence of anything that makes you more vulnerable such as health & wellbeing issues | · We may contact others to find out more about your vulnerabilities and advise you about how this may influence your application |
Relationship breakdown
Advice for people experiencing homelessness due to relationship breakdown
What you may need to do | What we may do |
|---|---|
· Tell us about the nature of the relationship breakdown | · Where reasonable we will speak to your ex- partner to find out why they feel the relationship has broken down |
· Tell us where you have been living, and for how long? · Gain advice on rights, contact CAB / Shelter/ private solicitor | · Advise on whether we think it is reasonable for you to return home and make a planned move · Advise of your potential rights to the home · Explore reconciliation / mediation, contact Relate |
· Tell us about children or other members of the household and explain who are they staying with short and long term | · Ask for evidence of who is in receipt of child benefit where relevant · Advise on how this may affect your application · Consider if family support is needed |
· You will need to tell us about the type of property you need · Look for alternative accommodation · Explore if there is any family that you could stay with | · We will assess your basic housing needs · Provide advice on looking for private rented accommodation and explain the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme · Help identify potential Landlords/ Agents that are likely to assist · Explain where to look for rentals (shop windows / online/ shop windows/ social media) · Explore Lodgings if appropriate · Advise on eligibility for the Home Option scheme |
· You will need to provide the contact details of any other professionals working with you such as support workers/ Social Care? | · We will advise you if we think you would benefit from additional support. We can refer to other agencies such as Peabody. |
· You will need to tell us about your income and expenditure and give us copies of bank statements · Complete an income and expenditure sheet | · Provide general benefit advice, refer to CAB or online sources to get advice on income maximisation · Investigate sources of financial assistance for costs (Saffron Walden United Charities/ DHP/ Prevention Fund) |
Useful contacts
Citizens Advice Bureau (Uttlesford CAB)
Web: http://www.uttlesfordcab.org.uk/
Call: 01799 618840
Email: bureau@uttlesfordcab.cabnet.org.uk
Caridon Properties
Web: www.caridonproperty.co.uk
Call: 0203 307 0555
Civil Legal Advice (CLA)
Web: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Call: 0345 345 4 345
Essential Living Fund
Web: www.southend.gov.uk/info/200288/extra_financial_help/69
Call: 0300 7900124
The King Edward VI Almshouses, Saffron Walden
Web: www.saffronwaldenalmshouses.org.uk /
Call: 01799 513914
Email: clerk@saffronwaldenalmshouses.org.uk
Lenderhand
Web: www.lenderhand.org
Call: 020 8532 5066
Email: contact@lenderhand.org
Money Advice Service
Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Call: 0800 138 7777
National Debtline
Web: https://nationaldebtline.org
Call: 0808 808 4000
Peabody Trust Essex Floating Support Service - Uttlesford
Call: 0800 288 8883
Samaritans
Web: https://www.samaritans.org
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Sophie's Fund
Web: http://www.sophiesfund.org
Email: info@sophiesfund.org
Shelter
Web: www.shelter.org.uk
Call: 0808 800 4444
Step Change Debt Charity
Web: www.stepchange.org
Call: 0800 138 1111
Turn2Us
Web: www.turn2us.org.uk
Call: Uttlesford CAB on 01799 618840
Universal Credit
Web: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
Call: 0800 328 5644
Uttlesford Foodbank
Web: uttlesford.foodbank.org.uk
Call: 07531 436335
Email: info@uttlesford.foodbank.org.uk
Uttlesfordsave
Web: http://harlowsave.coop/index1.html
Call: 01279 451234