UC Housing element

letitbe

Hi everyone, just need some advice pls . 

I’m looking to move to another City but when I search on openrent a lot of the properties in the area I’m looking at say.                     

 ‘LHA housing benefit doesn’t cover the full rent ‘ 
I’m really confused about this because I get UC and I’m over 35yrs so my UC housing element would more than cover the rent . 

Does this mean the area I’m 
looking at hasn’t  made the change to UC? 

Sorry I’m just confused 

poppy123456

All areas are now UC and have been since Dec 2018. If you're a single person then you would be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of LHA. 

This will vary depending on which area you'll be living. I would say that the majority of areas will not cover the full rent, unless you live in something like shared accommodation.

You can check the amount for the area here. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/ it will give you the weekly amount so you will need to convert it to monthly.

letitbe

Thank you . 

I can’t believe it in the SE I’m entitled to £1280 housing element and the city I’m thinking of moving to im entitled to £524, I’m absolutely shocked its reduced by so much , I can’t even get a houseshare for that in the city I want to move to . 

poppy123456

It does vary considerably depending on which area you live. For example, down South the rent would be much higher than up North so entitlement would be more down there.

LHA is increasing from April but not by a huge amount.

letitbe

I’m stuck in every direction now. There’s no flats in the city I want to move to that are £500 

Albus_Scope

It's often a tonne cheaper to rent just outside of the main cities. I'm not sure if that's viable for you? 

letitbe

The reason for move would be because it’s closer to family and friends  , I’d be moving back to the City I was born . 

I was in hospital twice last year and I need more support from family and friends. 

poppy123456

It's not easy to privately rent, not only because of the cost but finding a landlord that will accept DSS tenants. Have you put your name down on the housing list in the area closer to family? Having a local connection to the area will help with adding your name to the list but the wait could still be very long.

letitbe

poppy123456 said:

It's not easy to privately rent, not only because of the cost but finding a landlord that will accept DSS tenants. Have you put your name down on the housing list in the area closer to family? Having a local connection to the area will help with adding your name to the list but the wait could still be very long.

Is it possible to do that poppy ? I thought I needed to have lived in the city for a few years before they’d put me on the register. I’d be moving to Birmingham so not sure . I only know if I stay as I am I’ll end up in hospital again. 

poppy123456

Some will allow you to be added to the list if you have a local connection to the area. I know mine does. You will need to check their rules. 

letitbe

I found this on Council website , so I think it means I could register as I have family there ? 

Is it possible to register now even though I’m in a different City? And does that mean I could stay in my current city until they potentially offer me something ? 

Sorry I’m being dim 

poppy123456

Yes, it means you can fill out a form with them. You will need to send any evidence they ask for and wait to hear from them. If you've successfully been added to the list you will be contacted. You will then be able to bid on properties.

letitbe

Thanks so much . 

I didn’t know I could register with a council whilst living in a different city . 

Will they need a letter or something from my local connection family member ? 

poppy123456

letitbe said:

Thanks so much . 

I didn’t know I could register with a council whilst living in a different city . 

Will they need a letter or something from my local connection family member ? 

You're welcome. Yes, potentially. They may also ask for their address.

letitbe

I hope they’ll accept me on the list , I’m pretty sure I could get a letter from my GP and CMHT where I am now to say it would help me to be closer to my family. 

Albus_Scope

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you @letitbe  

letitbe

poppy123456 said:

letitbe said:

Thanks so much . 

I didn’t know I could register with a council whilst living in a different city . 

Will they need a letter or something from my local connection family member ? 

You're welcome. Yes, potentially. They may also ask for their address.

I know this sounds stupid and really unlikely but if I did get onto council housing register in Birmingham and SE could I bid in both cities and then take the first one that I like ? 

The reason I ask is because I’ve read you can apply to as many council registers as you want as long as you have a local connection . 

I know it’s unlikely I’ll be accepted onto either one let alone both . 

poppy123456

I don’t know the answer to that. I’ve never been added to more than 1 list at any one time.

If you do get added to a list you should only bid on properties in areas you would like to live. If you bid and are offered and then refuse because you don’t like the area then it could affect any future bids you make. 

It may not be a very quick process either so please be aware of that, even more so if you’re low down on the list.