Could my sister join universal credit and apply for housing element to help pay the rent??

drwhofan4

Hi all,

I'm a full-time university student and work part-time on a casual contract which means my hours vary a lot. I have a three-bedroom HA property in just my name, it's just me and my sister that lives here. I'm struggling and just about making ends meet. 

My rent is £650.00 pcm. I get universal credit housing element which pays £200.00 directly to the landlord, I still have to pay £450.00, this is a struggle to do because I'm on a casual contract, I'm trying to find a part-time job that offers 2 days a week. As I'm struggling at the moment I've been thinking about getting my sister to sign up to UC, she only gets DLA. 

If I got her to sign up to UC could she get housing element to help pay the rent? I'm not sure how it works.

poppy123456

She will not able to claim for help with any rent because she's living with you and you're treated as close family because she's your sister. She will only be able to claim for help with any rent if she's named on the tenancy agreement and has a liability to pay rent. 

Does your sister work? Even though she can't claim for help with any rent it doesn't mean she can't still claim UC. The only thing that will exclude her is if she has savings/capital of more than £16,000. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @drwhofan4

Just wanted to comment and say welcome to the community! Also love the username. 

Can I ask, have you used a Benefits Calculator to see if there is any other help you'd be entitled too? 

Biblioklept

Is the £200 your whole income from UC?? It seems pretty low, is that because of your student loan and wages @drwhofan4?