Renting and the DHSS

[Lucky JACKSON]

I'm currently trying to find a flat to rent in Edinburgh.
My work is voluntary so I intend the dole to pay my way.
I have heard that in Scotland claimants are given a set amount for rent.
(I previously lived in Wales where amounts awarded were judged on separate case.)
If it is a fixed amount, does anyone know how much?
Are landlords extra wary of DHSS tenants?
What's the best way to go about matters.

[geminisnake]

Afaik there is a set amount the dhss will pay for anyone's accomodation though you can make up the difference yourself(though how you do that when you're on the dole I don't know)

The amount paid depends on your circumstances afaik, eg they'll pay up to £60 for a single person and up to £90 for a family(these are guesses coz I don't know the up to date figures)

You'd get up to date info from CAB, it may have changed since I last dealt with anything like this. Tbh I think you'll be bloody lucky to get anything decent in Edinburgh while on the dole, simply because there are so many people looking for accomodation. The place is full of universities and the student population snap up a large chunk of any flats/bedsits, etc.

You could try getting something from the council. I know my nephew and his lad got a flat quite quickly but his lad is from Edinburgh, that might have made a difference.

Good luck.

[The Boy]

I'm pretty sure the council use a postcode system in Edinburgh. Basically they have a mximum they will pay which increases/decreases depending on the area. As the poster above points out, any difference between that and the rent you are due is to be made up by yourself.

Best bet might be a corporation flat. Know a couple of people who got flats from the council pretty promptly, although they stay in Pilton which some would turn there noses up at. Still, it's a roof over your head, isn't it?