A man has been able to find an affordable property after constantly being rejected by landlords who don’t house benefit claimants.
Alex Thompson, 34, currently works part-time as a retail assistant and is receiving Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.
These benefits are crucial in helping him manage his living expenses, especially with the rising costs of living.
Thompson explained to GB News the challenges he faced finding properties as a benefit claimant and how he was able to overcome this.
He said: “The biggest obstacle I faced when looking for accommodation was finding a landlord willing to accept tenants on benefits.
“Many listings on mainstream platforms explicitly state that they do not accept Department of Social Services (DSS) tenants like me, which made the search incredibly frustrating and disheartening.
Thompson was recommended DSSmove for benefit claimants like himself
PA“I felt like I was constantly hitting a wall, and it made an already stressful situation even more challenging.”
After spending a long time looking in the newspaper and checking housing website for accommodation, Thompson was recommended DSSmove for benefit claimants like himself.
The website displays a range of accommodation from single rooms to entire flats that aren’t “horrible and rundown”.
An estate agent explained to Thompson that it would be helpful as there were no hidden costs.
The 34-year-old was able to easily find properties within his budget and preferred location and has now been happily settled for two years.
Thompson said: “The cost of living crisis has significantly impacted me. Prices for essentials like food, utilities, and transportation have all increased, stretching my budget to its limits.
“Even with benefits, it's been tough to make ends meet, and any unexpected expenses can quickly become overwhelming. This financial strain made the need to find affordable housing even more urgent."
Thompson explained that despite his financial trouble, landlords were already aware of his situation on DSSmove which made the process easier.
He continued: “This direct communication made it easier to explain my circumstances and arrange viewings.
“I found a cozy one-bedroom flat that is not only affordable but also conveniently located near public transport and essential amenities.”
By using a Housing Benefit / Universal Credit calculator, the retail assistant calculated what benefits he would be eligible for and then filtered the properties within this budget.
He can now manage his expenses without constantly worrying about falling behind on rent.
“It's a huge relief to have found a place that fits my budget,” he said.
Thompson added: “Finding somewhere to live has been an immense relief and a significant weight off my shoulders.
“The stability and security of having a home where I feel safe and comfortable cannot be overstated. It has allowed me to focus more on my part-time job and personal well-being without the constant stress of housing insecurity.”
There are currently two million privately rented tenants claiming DSS in England.
