You don't say whether it is your mum alone who lives in the housing association property or whether you and/or your brother live there as well - I think you are saying your mum lives there alone as you talk of "her" home.  It makes a big difference.    If the tenancy is in your mum's name she should be able to be paying her rent through benefits even if she is the only person who is going to be living there.    I am presuming - because you have not said anything to the contrary - that her current home is adequate to meet her needs so she is happy to stay there.  If you can give a bit more detail as to the current situation and the proposed situation once your brother has moved away I can try to advise.  I spent most of my career working for a local authority housing department and generally know the basics.  Although the details vary between housing associations and local authorities similar rules still apply,  Annie

Hi, 

I don't live in the house as I live in another city due to work, my brother does live there and has been paying the rent and council tax as the benifits that my mum recieves are nowhere near enough to cover even a fraction of the bills. My mum would love to stay there but we all understand that because it is a three bedroom house that if my brother does move she will probably have to downsize, however the thought of this is causing her a huge amount of stress as she thinks that she will just be put somewhere whithout any choice. We have all discussed about the idea of her moving to Leeds which is whee I'm based, but due to her not working it would need to be a council or housing association property. 

Tori

Hi again.  When considering downsizing would it be necessary for your mum to have a two-bed property so that if it becomes necessary for someone to help her (I don't know the prognosis for her condition long-term) there is somehwere for that person to stay.  Depending on the housing association in question (i.e. are they just local or are they a big national outfit) they may be able to give your mum a transfer.  As most social housing groups are in need of larger properties they may be quite pleased to gain a three bed in return for giving your mum a smaller property - this gives her a bit of leverage choice-wise.    You need to talk to the housing association in the very near future to find out the possibility of your mum getting a property in Leeds.  If your mum's housing association is only local there was - and probably is - an exchange register of people in social housing wanting to exchange so she could look at that.  If that doesn't work then you could apply for a transfer to the local authority in Leeds.  I am sure you realise that in order to put some priority behind your mum's request there will have to be medical confirmation of your mum's situation but that should not present any problems.  I am acutely aware that systems may have changed since I retired but very much expect that the basic situation is at least similar.   I hope this helps a bit - feel free to come back to ask questions and I will try to advise.  Annie 

Hi, I work for a housing organisation with people with similar circumstances, if your mum did an application for the housing aid in your city explaining the circumstances an advisor from that council will be able to help with the situation and offer advice and find suitable housing for your mum if she is eligible and help with what benefits your mum is entitled too such as housing benefit. Your mum can make an application to housing aid in Leeds where you're based as she has a local connection in Leeds as you are a close relative and you could say your mum being close to you due to her medical needs will help your mum. Hope this helps a little