UC Housing Element eligibility help.

Jonny12

Hi, I hope everybody's week is going ok. This is my first post on here and hoping that someone with more experience will be able to offer some help.

I'm currently claiming UC and have LCW status due to mental illness.

Although I'm currently living with my parents who support me when I'm going through bad periods, unfortunately It's no longer suitable for me to be staying with them for several reasons.

This means that I'm having to move out and can only do this by claiming the housing element of UC which I've never done before.

When I mentioned this in my UC online journal the advisor stated that I will need to start a new claim for housing.

Does this mean that I have to start a completely new UC claim and I will loose my LCW status?

I live on the border of 3 different counties so although I will need to stay local to my parents for support, would I still be eligible for the UC housing element if I rented a property in one of the other two counties without having to start a new UC claim?

It also looks like I will have to rent privately due to lack of social housing in my area and too much demand. I imagine that because of my situation I will need a guarantor and also it would prob help to put 6 months rent down up front to help secure a property which I just about have in savings.

Could I do this and claim this back through the UC housing element?

Really confused about all of this so any help inc any other related advice would be really appreciated.  Thank you

poppy123456

Jonny12 said:

When I mentioned this in my UC online journal the advisor stated that I will need to start a new claim for housing.

That's very poor advice and completely incorrect. A lot of UC staff are poorly trained but i would expect them to know that a new claim for UC is not needed because you're already claiming it.

If you successfully rent a property unless it's either supported or temporary housing then help with the rent will be paid as part of your UC entitlement known as housing element.

When you move into the property you need to report a change of circumstances, then click "where you live and what it costs" then put the details into there. You will need proof of eligility to pay rent such as tenancy agreement or lodgers agreement.

If you're under 35 and single then you'll be entitled to the shared rate of local housing allowance, unless you're either claiming daily living PIP or DLA mid/high rate care and then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of LHA. If over 35 then it's 1 bedroom regardless of whether you're claiming a disability benefit. You can check the rates for different areas here. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/ if there's a shortfall of rent then you would need to pay that yourself.

You will be entitled to housing element, even if you pay any rent in advance.

calcotti

Jonny12 said:

 I imagine that because of my situation I will need a guarantor and also it would prob help to put 6 months rent down up front to help secure a property which I just about have in savings.

Could I do this and claim this back through the UC housing element? 

To be clear, you will not get the 6 months in advance paid back in one go. UC will pay the monthly liability or the applicable Local Housing Allowance amount (which ever is lower).

Jonny12

Thank you for your help @poppy123456 & @calcotti. So just to confirm-

-I don't have to worry about loosing my LCW status by claiming for housing costs because I will not be starting a new UC claim? 

-I will get paid housing costs at the LHA rate (I get PIP) as soon as I start claiming, even if I have paid the 6 months rent upfront? In other words I will get this money back as long as I don't pay over LHA rate but it will take 6 months to do so?

Lastly, can I rent a property in the neighboring two counties and still be eligible for housing costs without starting a new claim?

poppy123456

No you won't lose LCW. Housing element is help with housing costs. UC is one benefit made up of many different elements.

Jonny12 said:

-I will get paid housing costs at the LHA rate (I get PIP) as soon as I start claiming, even if I have paid the 6 months rent upfront? In other words I will get this money back as long as I don't pay over LHA rate but it will take 6 months to do so?

Paying 6 months rent up front will make no difference to your housing element. You're still liable for rent payments. Your UC will include help with the rent each month.

Jonny12 said:

Lastly, can I rent a property in the neighboring two counties and still be eligible for housing costs without starting a new claim?

As i advised, you don't need to start a new claim for UC because you're already claiming it. It doesn't matter where in the country you rent your home. All you need to do is report a change of circumstances when you move into your home.

Jonny12

Got it. I appreciate you answering my questions. You've been really helpful @poppy123456. Thank you

poppy123456

You’re welcome.

L_Volunteer

I would just like to add a warm welcome @Jonny12. It is great to see you have joined us.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you 

Jonny12

Thank you @L_Volunteer that's really kind of you to say. 

L_Volunteer

Just the truth @Jonny12