Universal Credit Housing Element Help.

JakeH43

Hello, I am making this discussion as I have a query that I would like to get some answers for if it’s possible, Basically me and my brother are gonna rent a property. We both receive Universal Credit separately with LCWRA for both of us. We both also receive PIP daily living. My question is this, the property we are moving into is a 2 bed and it’s £825 a month and the LHA rate is £90.90 a week (£393.90 per month) for a 1 bed self contained home rate as that’s what I believe we are each entitled to. It would be a joint tenancy as well.

Am I right in thinking that both me and my brother can claim Housing Element on UC separately to cover each half of our rents. So basically I would make a claim for housing on my UC claim to cover my half of the rent, and my brother makes a separate claim on his UC to cover his half of the rent. Am I right in thinking this is how it’s done? If so would there be any reductions as i don’t believe there should be as it’s just me and him in the property with no non dependents so there should be no HCC deductions. Please can someone help me out and confirm if I’m correct please.

calcotti

JakeH43 said:.

Am I right in thinking that both me and my brother can claim Housing Element on UC separately to cover each half of our rents. So basically I would make a claim for housing on my UC claim to cover my half of the rent, and my brother makes a separate claim on his UC to cover his half of the rent. Am I right in thinking this is how it’s done? If so would there be any reductions as i don’t believe there should be as it’s just me and him in the property with no non dependents so there should be no HCC deductions. Please can someone help me out and confirm if I’m correct please.

That’s correct.

Each of you are entitled to help with half the rent or the one bedroom LHA rate (assuming you are 35 or over) - whichever is lower.

You would both have to report a change of circumstances on your existing claims.

Regardless of when the change takes place it will be applied from the start of the UC assessment period in which the change occurs.

Based on the figures you quoted there will obviously be a shortfall between the rent and the help you receive. You will have to make up the gap from the other elements of your award.

Although UC elements are increasing from April (by 10.1%) the LHA rates are staying the remain.

JakeH43

Ok brilliant thank you for clarifying, there wouldn’t be any reductions anywhere will there as I can’t see there being any.

calcotti

JakeH43 said:

Ok brilliant thank you for clarifying, there wouldn’t be any reductions anywhere will there as I can’t see there being any.

None.

JakeH43

Am I also right in thinking that we’re exempt from the shared accommodation rule for under 35’s as we both receive PIP daily living therefore automatically making us entitled to the one bed self contained rate each?

calcotti

JakeH43 said:

Am I also right in thinking that we’re exempt from the shared accommodation rule for under 35’s as we both receive PIP daily living therefore automatically making us entitled to the one bed self contained rate each?

That is correct. (Apologies, I nearly included that in my previous reply but if everything is included the posts get very long!)

As an aside, even if there were any non dependants the fact that you have Daily Living PIP means that there would be no HCC deductions.

JakeH43

Ah right ok no problem, brilliant thank you so much for your help. So basically just to clarify if my maths is right. If the rent is £825 and both my and my brother are entitled to the One bed self contained rate each which is £393.90, am I right in thinking that the total housing costs paid would be £787.80 due to each of us receiving £393.90 In our separate claims. Leaving a shortfall of £37.20 a month? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to triple check everything.

calcotti

Exactly as that, which is why I mentioned a shortfall. You will each have to take £16.60 out of the rest of your UC to cover the shortfall.

JakeH43

Ok no problem that’s perfect thank you so much for clarifying everything