Rent Supplement

Hi there,
here is my story... I am living with my boyfriend and our child in a 2 bedroomed apart. I am currently on job seekers casual pay as I was working so I am back to the full benefit. We are going to separate, I am just wondering where i stand? I want to continue living here but I will not be able to afford the rent.I also know that I will be entitled to the OPF payment. The thing is I know you will have to wait 3 months to get the payment etc.. Just wondering what the best thing for me to do is? The landlord hasnt been told that we are separating and I am not sure if he will accept the rent supplement. Will I get it easily? Will they make me move? I am still registered with the social welfare office as living at home with my parents as I would not have been entitled to the dole if they knew i was living with my boyfriend, so how would i explain the situation to them,or is is the CWO that deals with this? both our names are on the lease.
Thanks

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First thing to do is talk to your landlord and explain to him that you are seperating but that you are willing to stay on provided that he accepts rent allowence. If he does then ask him for a new lease with just your name on it and then go and see your CWO, telling them that you are moving out of home into the appartment.

You should also advise the SW Local Office where you sign on of your current address - the Community Welfare Officer will check the address you're signing from before processing any application for Rent Supplement.

Just to mention if/when your One Parent Family is awarded, your Jobseeker's Benefit will be reduced to half-rate, as you can't get both payments in full at the same time.

you'll have to ask your landlord if the property is registered to claim rent allowance. You would have been entitled to social welfare regardless of whether you lived with your boyfriend or not. if you talk to your local welfare officer and explain your circumstances you may be able to find out what you are entitled to. also you should put your name down on the council housing list as this is usually required to get rent allowance

sassa said:

You would have been entitled to social welfare regardless of whether you lived with your boyfriend or not.

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I presume you mean that the OP would be entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit - entitlement to Rent Supplement would depend on whether the OP's boyfriend was working or not as it's means-tested, and there would be no entitlement to One Parent Family Payment if the OP is co-habiting.