Rented housing for retirees

Do you qualify for Housing Benefit? It might be worth talking to Citizens Advice or Age UK about your problem and see what they advise.

Could you perhaps consider moving to a cheaper part of the country, Smurf? I don't know where you are, but in large parts of the the country, the rent on a decent two bedroom property would be way cheaper than £900 a month.

Thanks all. I know because I still have money that I don’t qualify yet but I was just thinking when my money totally runs out (if I don’t die before!) Then I’ll be happy to get a 1 bed place as I’ll be that much older and will expect my sons to put me up lol.

My DH has always said cater for what we need every day not for what we need occasionally i.e. a dining table for 2 not 9. He says we can always go out and eat when we all get together. Perhaps that could be true with your sons. I don't know how often they visit but perhaps a one bedroom flat for you plus when they visit a nearby b&b would help.

I am so sorry. I very much doubt you will be given a two bedroomed property, they will not allow a bedroom for visitors. Do get sdvice, there is the possibility that because you sold your house they will say you made yourself homeless. If you can buy a small flat do so, your LA will surely have a long waiting list , the LA will want every detail of your income and savings too. Shelter may give you advice . I wish you luck x

Also Have you considered housing associations? We have several around here specialising in apartments and bungalows for retirees .

Meant to add that the LA would go into all your financial affairs before awarding you housing benefit and I doubt you would qualify with savings and bonds etc. I would look around for something cheaper to rent or even consider buying a small property if you are able to . Don’t mean to sound awful but LA properties are in very short supply .

Oh Smurf52 you should go to your nearest LA housing office and get yourself on that waiting list ASAP ! Unfortunately the fact that you have a roof over your head (albeit a very expensive one) will count against you though . I don’t know how much money you have in savings and bonds but even if you were fortunate enough to get one you would not be able to claim help with your rent if your saving are more than around the £10,000 mark (check exact figure) . Also as a single person you would not qualify for a 2 bedroom property. Obviously I don’t know where you are in the country but I wonder if you might be better off still trying to buy a small flat ? My late mum and dad sold their very modest ex LA house about 10 years ago (my mum couldn’t get up stairs ) and they were given an adapted bungalow by the KA to rent . The small amount of money they got for their house ( £65,000 in the North East) has now completely gone on just under £120 per week LA rent and my dad is left with virtually nothing but his state pension .

I suppose you could contact your local council to see if they can help.

From what you say, you've given part of your equity from the sale of your house to your son, plus money into a bond that you don't want to spend, but you would now like subsidised social housing? I'm not sure you would qualify.