Rented housing for retirees

I agree with QQ.

If the OP has, in bonds when they mature, enough to buy a house or mobile home, then she won't be eligible for pension credit.

Downsize and invest in a good bed settee?

JanaNana
Assisted living flats usually have all sorts of 'aids,' such as red triangle pull cords in the bathroom and grab rails in the bath and by the lavatory. High back chairs in the communal sitting areas and communal washing machines. Living in such a space would definitely make me feel I had one foot in the grave. If you want to feel old...move to assisted living.

Depending on how much you have invested and your total income you may be entitled to assistance with your rent. Have you claimed a council tax reduction as single occupant. Again based on savings and income you may be entitled to a bit more off. Try DWP website for info on benefit level entitlements. L.A. should be able to give info on housing organisations.

Corner Gran I know of Girling they run a scheme in conjunction with McCarhty & Stone they rent so many properties in certain developments,they also have a flat that relatives can stay in for a nomimal charge when they come to visit.
I don't know the contact details but they are on line.
They advertise in Saga Magazine.

I don't often agree with anything which quizqueen says, but I'm absolutely with her in this matter.
OP sells a house, then chooses to invest a third of the profits, and 'lend' or 'give' even more of her capital to a son, and live in rented accommodation.
Why now, does she expect help with housing costs?
There are many, many people in genuine need of social housing, people who don't have the luxury of savings and bonds.
Surely, she should be looking to buy a flat, or small house, rather than expecting to be helped out of a mess entirely of her own making.

You have a number of options available to you op.

Have a look at social housing online in your area - it will tell you what makes someone eligible or not and you can usually apply online. You can also browse for the type of property that becomes available and usually can see how many have registered an interest in each one to show you how much in demand each one is.

Have a look at the criteria for almshousing. If you are an ex-nurse there are also other organisations that may be able help with housing.

www.almshouses.org/resident-vacancies/page/8/

It's roughly 22% more to rent a 2 bed property than a 1 bed - how much difference would this make to you financially and is it worth considering having a sofa bed for your sons in the lounge so that you have more peace of mind the rest of the year when they are not staying with you.

Would you consider some other part time employment to help you make up the difference? I'd imagine you have some useful skills that could be used elsewhere.

Property prices are rising so if you have a chance to buy even a one bed property as soon as possible that might be worth some consideration.

Was the financial help given to your son a gift or would you be able to have some of this money back at some point to help you out?

I agree with those who suggest moving to a cheaper area. It might not mean going far from where you are currently renting.

Our village is sought after as it is near good transport links and is a commuter village for Cambridge. We bought our property in 1990. I doubt we'd be able to afford a garden shed here now!

Whenever I look on Right Move (I'm nosey) I notice that some properties in a village just twenty minutes away are £200 per month cheaper than around here. That's quite a saving!

It’s not what we think that matters Quizqueen but what the law allows! The rules are more flexible with regards capital for people over pension age and Housing Associations make their own rules

I fail to understand why you think someone who used to own a property, then decided to rent privately instead while investing some of the profit and giving some away to family should now be entitled to housing benefit or a subsidised council property!

burtieb26 OP said she left her job 18 months ago, therefore unless she has already lodged her ET claim for constructive dismissal she is now out of time. An ET claim has to be made within 3 months from the date of the last incident or of leaving date and this is well outside that time frame

You mention being bullied in your job. Have you thought of taking them to employment tribunal. Sounds like constructive dismissal. I also think you should discuss your fears with your sons. Nothing worse than ‘nursing’ a worry alone. Good luck!

Contact your local housing association. If you are prepared to accept a " sheltered housing property" as opposed to "general needs", you may find it easier to get accommodation and a much shorter waiting list. Some sheltered housing does stipulate they only accept retirees, while others still allow people to continue working. Lots only have one bedroom flats, whereas a few have two bedrooms and some occasionally have small bungalows.
I have worked for three different housing associations as a housing officer and can tell you it is easier in your age group to go down the sheltered housing route. You will have to pay extra for managers/ helplines etc, but if you qualify for HB your rent will be less. You can also apply for something in another area if it is nearer to a close family member and their waiting lists are shorter. Quite a lot of people have done this. Good luck.

Your sons could stay in a b&b or airb&b when they visit, after all, you helped one out and now must look after your own interests and long term future.
Housing lists are long in most parts of the UK and you only get 3 choices then back to the bottom of the list.
I suggest that you look for a private long term rental on a 1 bed flat.
The council tax will be less for a start.
I've let my own (too large since empty nest) home out and have rented privately in a small upmarket town, in the middle of beautiful countryside with excellent transport links and facilities, for almost 10 years and I pay less than £900pm. Finding property to rent here is like hoping to find hen's teeth.
Maybe widen your search to nearby areas which suit your needs.
I e-mailed a list of amenities I definitely wanted, to several large and small EAs but, surprisingly, it was through a friend who owned a shop in the 'village' that I heard about my present abode.
Are there things you definitely want/do not want in a rental? I wanted GCH and a proper kitchen plus gas hob, NO split living/kitchen. A full bathroom, plenty of storage space and lots of windows and character plus a small garden.
Send your wish list and hopefully something will turn up. Remember to tell them NOT to send details of properties outside your budget. They have a nasty habit of doing just that.
Good luck

Oh dear... money worries are all consuming and wreck every aspect of daily life.
I want to ask how many nights each year you do have someone sleeping in the spare room?
Work it out for the last several years, please.
Then ask yourself if it would be worth getting a sofa bed for the living room and saving yourself a lot of rent?

Jenpax is right. Definitely get an appointment to discuss your situation with SHELTER who have specialist knowledge of everything to do with housing need and can help you plan ahead.
I think, like her, that you may still qualify for housing benefit even with savings (depending on what these are precisely,and if/when you can access them). You will only be able to argue for an LA/HA 2 bed place if you are disabled and have to have a carer who needs to stay overnight.

Re money given to your sons - yes, as it was only five years ago you sold your property, there may be problems assessing your capital . However, if you manage things yourself independently for another 2-5 years the LA assessors may possibly be more flexible in their attitudes.

Are your sons not in a position to be able to help you at all?

You will not get housing benefit with any savings over about £3,000. If you only have your state pension can you apply for pension credit and would also look at moving to a much cheaper area and buying either a small flat or a mobile home.

Would you be able to rent a studio flat near one of your sons where property is cheaper. Find a new part time job then when your bond matures buy a small property with a mortgage. I understand it's easier for older people to get mortgages now.
On the whole I think you have been a bit too kind to your DC and you are paying the price.
But talk to the housing associations. Lots of good advice on here.

You could try and see if you are eligible for housing benefit I am in a similar situation I am 60 plus and work and my rent is just over half my wage leaving very little for anything else after bills I have been on housing waiting lists over 7 years but as I'm not homeless not a priority

Go and see your local Citizens Advice or give Shelter a call. I suggest you get housing advice now before it gets desperate and you may qualify for Housing Benefit even with savings. You won’t be able to get a 2 bed place with a LA or Housing Association as you only need a one bed place. You could also run into problems with having given away money to your sons when it comes to assessing your capital. Please get advice

Give anchor sheltered housing charitable trust a call, you may be able to put your name on their list and they will I am sure give you advice
Their waiting lists are very long and it is doubtful you will only get a studio flat as it is only you.
I work for Anchor so have some idea.

I know nothing about this organisation smurf other than a fellow volunteer rents a home through them. Girlings.co.uk. She says the rent is ‘reasonable’ and includes all service charges. Please understand this is not a recommendation, just some information. Wishing you well in your search and decision.

If op invested a large chunk of the equity from her house sale in a bond, the cash didn't disappear. She also gave significant amount to her son.
She still has a considerable asset so why would she qualify for housing benefit?

Talk to your local housing association or council. I know a couple of people who were widowed and sold their houses. Both went on to live in rented HA places here, one is still in her flat. On the small estate she lives there is a flat that visitors can use for a few days.
My aunt and uncle live in a housing scheme in another part of the country with such places available. So there are places about.