UC housing and how it works

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ellenadam99

Hello all

I’m looking for some advice if possible

I am on LCWRA, UC at the moment but I am in the process of moving out of my parents and into private rent flat. I believe I am able to get housing element to help me, the shared rate allowance which is absolutely fine and I am prepared to pay the top up, but I’m just very confused about how it works and how it gets paid. 

Does housing element get paid the same time as my normal UC payment date? For example, the 10th of every month? Or would it be a separate date depending on when the decision is made? Am I entitled to the housing element if I’m moving out of my parents? (I’m asking as earlier today I read on another forum that I would need to be at risk of homelessness or need to be certain circumstances, I’m not sure if this is true at all but it didn’t sound right to me.)

 I have paid my deposit and will be paying my first months rent on the 20th which will be the date I put in for my claim too as it’s move in day. I was also wondering, if it gets paid on the normal UC date, would this mean that for next months rent (march) I would not get the housing element but it would be there for aprils rent instead? I am so sorry if this doesn’t make sense, I’m very confused about it all and have been given conflicting advice from multiple people including agents, this is my first time moving from home but it’s something I have needed to do for a long time so as you can imagine I am both excited but overly anxious as well and want to be prepared for any set backs. 

Thank you tons I appreciate any advice anyone can give me 

Ellena 

poppy123456

Yes, you will be able to claim help with the rent through UC known as housing element because you will have a liability to pay rent.

The housing element is part of UC just like the LCWRA element and it will be paid in with your usual monthly payment, which for you is the 10th of every month.

UC is based on your circumstances on the last day of each assessment period. If your payment is 10th of every month, this means your assessment periods are 4th to 3rd of every month, so the last day would be 3rd of the month for you. 

 When you move in on 20th you will need to log into your journal and click "report a change of circumstances." Look through the list and click "where you live and what it costs." Then put the details into there. You will need to send your tenancy agreement as proof of liability to pay rent.

Your first payment of housing element will be on 10th March because you moved in before the last day of your Feb/March assessment period. 

 If you are under 35 you will be entitled to the shared rate of local housing allowance, unless you're claiming either PIP/ADP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care and then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate. If you're 35 or over you will be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate, regardless of whether or not you're claiming a disability benefit. You can check the rates here. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

ellenadam99 said:

Am I entitled to the housing element if I’m moving out of my parents? (I’m asking as earlier today I read on another forum that I would need to be at risk of homelessness or need to be certain circumstances, I’m not sure if this is true at all but it didn’t sound right to me.)

You are correct, what you read isn't true. You do not need to be at risk of being homeless to be entitled to housing element. 

You will also need to make sure you claim Council Tax reduction from your local Authority.

Good luck with the move!