Thread: Moving Back to The UK - Emergency Housing

Sometimes things don't work out overseas for one reason or another and you may have to return to the UK with no money, no family to turn to, no job, house etc. This is obviously a difficult and upsetting situation to be in but there is help available if you think you're going to be homeless.

There are a number of different housing options open to you, depending on your age, income and what is available in your area. Your three main options are supported housing or hostels, making a homeless application to the council or renting from a private landlord.

Supported housing includes a variety of different kinds of housing such as hostels, shared houses, or a flat of your own. You normally get help from support workers who visit you regularly or work in the same building. They often help with benefits, housing, training, education or anything else you might need extra help with. One example of supported housing is a Foyer. Foyers provide housing, training and support for young people. There are foyer schemes around the UK.
To find out what supported housing exists in your area talk to a local advice agency such as a Citizens Advice Bureau or a housing aid centre.



If you're going to be homeless you can also apply to the council for help by making a homeless application. The council will have to provide you with housing advice but they only have to provide emergency housing to people who are classed as being in priority need, this includes people who have children or have significant physical or mental health problems or are vulnerable for other reasons.



You can also look at the possibility of privately renting a home. You can find privately rented housing through estate agents, letting agencies, newsagents' windows and advertisements in local newspapers. If you use an agency it will usually charge fees for references and administration charges. You'll also need money up-front to pay for rent in advance (usually one month) and a deposit (at least the equivalent of one month's rent).


If you don't have the money for a deposit, you may be able to get help from a bond scheme. These organisations will guarantee a deposit instead of you having to pay a deposit. To find out if there is a bond scheme in your local area you can contact Crisis SmartMove or check with your local council or advice centre as the website does not list all schemes.


If you find somewhere to rent, you may be eligible for housing benefit. Housing benefit is available to help people who are on benefits or who have low incomes to pay their rent. But it's important to bear in mind that sometimes your housing benefit can be restricted and will only cover a certain amount of your rent.


If you are homeless and in an emergency and want to speak to someone before you contact the council then you could phone Shelterline, a free, confidential, national housing advice phoneline, on 0808 800 4444. If you would like to speak to someone about other services for young people in your area you can call Get Connected, a free, confidential, national phoneline for young people, on 0808 808 4994 between 1pm and 11pm daily.

In Homeshare, someone who needs a small amount of help to live independently in their own home is matched with someone who has a housing need and can provide support or companionship.


Homeshare schemes arrange the matching process between the ‘Householder’, who typically owns their home but has developed some support needs or has become isolated or anxious about living alone, with the ‘Homesharer‘, typically a younger student or key public service worker who cannot afford housing.


Usually no rent is charged, but the household bills are shared, and in return the Homesharer will help out around the house, for example by cooking meals, running errands, shopping trips and providing company. Homeshare works because a new relationship, designed to bring benefits to both people, is balanced with clarity and safeguards to protect everyone.

http://www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk/

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.
If you are homeless find out Who can help?
To find specific services near to you go to Search all services or Accommodation search.
If you are in immediate need of emergency help go to Emergency.

http://www.homelessuk.org/details.asp?id=LP10

If you arrive back without funds for a deposit/rent use this link which will provide a list of people who can help in the area you are going to settle http://www.privaterentedsector.org.uk/schemes.asp

Housing advice centres


Housing advice centres can offer advice and information about all aspects of housing. Some are run by local authorities while others are run by voluntary organisations.


Details of independent housing advice centres are available from:-


England


Shelter
88 Old Street
London EC1V 9HU
Helpline: 0808 800 4444
Email: info@shelter.org.uk
Website: www.shelter.org.uk


Wales


Shelter Cymru
25 Walter Road
Swansea SA1 5NN
Tel: 01792 469400
Fax: 01792 460050
E-mail: mail@sheltercymru.org.uk
Website: www.sheltercymru.org.uk


Scotland


Shelter
4th Floor
Scotia Bank House
6 South Charlotte Street
Edinburgh EH2 4AW
Tel: 0844 515 2000
Website: http://scotland.shelter.org.uk


Shelter also operates a free housing advice helpline for anyone with a housing problem. The service is available via minicom and textphone, and a special translation service can be provided where necessary. Tel: 0808 800 4444.


Northern Ireland


Housing Rights Service
Middleton Buildings
Fourth Floor
10-12 High Street
Belfast BT1 2BA
Tel: 028 9024 5640
Fax: 028 9031 2200
E-mail: hrs@housingrights.org.uk
Website: www.housing-rights.org.uk


The Scottish Housing Regulator


The Scottish Housing Regulator
Highlander House
58 Waterloo Street
GLASGOW
G2 7DA


Tel: 0141 271 3810
Fax: 0141 221 5030
E-mail: shr@scottishhousingregulator.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk


Housing rights information for people coming from abroad


There is a useful website about housing for people who come from abroad, for example, refugees, people who hold work permits, people in the UK with indefinite leave to remain and EEA nationals. The website address for England and Wales is www.housing-rights.info. Information for Scotland can be found on the same website at www.housing-rights.info. In Northern Ireland, you can find information at www.housingadviceni.org.uk.

Amazing information you've got there! This is what expat needs to know. Thanks!

I think this is an excellent thread/topic as often we seem to think that return back is with a job lined up, accommodation sorted. Yes it would lovely for every one to have a relatively soft landing but sometimes thats not the case