Mutual Exchange and Migration to UC

rachelh72

Hi we are wanting to mutually exchange our house but will be staying within our current local authority. Will this force a move onto UC? as we will then sacrifice our entitlement to the uplift. Thanks

poppy123456

No, staying with the same LA will mean a simple change of address with housing benefit and you remain on it. I note from another thread that you're also claiming Tax credits and the timescale for managed migration completion for that is April 2024, whether that can be achieved I don't know. 

rachelh72

Ok so what you're saying is that we may lose the uplift anyway if we want to keep our tax credits and have to apply for UC before a managed move. Is that correct? Thanks Poppy

rachelh72

So we may not be able to keep both because of the timescale? I didn't realise that at all. 

rachelh72

We've had no letter

poppy123456

rachelh72 said:

Ok so what you're saying is that we may lose the uplift anyway if we want to keep our tax credits and have to apply for UC before a managed move. Is that correct? Thanks Poppy

No, that's not what I said. At this late stage you won't lose the uplift. Once you receive the managed migration letter you will have 3 months to apply for UC, which will take you beyond the uplift as it applies from 8th April. 

I don't understand what you mean by this. Keep both of what?

rachelh72 said:

So we may not be able to keep both because of the timescale? I didn't realise that at all. 

rachelh72

I'm really sorry I really get confused by it all and don't understand it all. We haven't had a Migration letter you see and I'm aware tax credits end very soon. Do we need to apply now then for UC to keep our tax credits? Is that the case?

poppy123456

Please don't worry, it's confusing for everyone. No, please do not apply for UC until you receive the migration letter. If you do then you could end up being worse off. When you do apply through Managed migration, if you're worse off then you will receive Transitional protection. 

Of course if a change of circumstances prompts a move in the meantime you will have no option but to apply but your house move to the same LA is not a change of circumstances that prompts a move. 

rachelh72

Thank you for explaining that. But what do I need to do if anything about my child tax credits ending?

poppy123456

rachelh72 said:

Thank you for explaining that. But what do I need to do if anything about my child tax credits ending?

They are not ending yet because you haven't received the migration letter. Once you do, as I advised you will have 3 months to apply. In the meantime your Tax credits will continue. 

rachelh72

Thank you again. I was panicking. You've been so helpful 

poppy123456

You're welcome! 

rachelh72

Hi with regards to my Mutual Exchange. I will be staying with my local council but my housing benefit will change because I will no longer have to pay bedroom tax. Will this change in HB force a move onto UC? Thanks

poppy123456

I answered that question here. 

poppy123456 said:

No, staying with the same LA will mean a simple change of address with housing benefit and you remain on it.

rachelh72

Thanks even if my HB has to change? ie I won't have to pay bedroom tax anymore due to downsizing as I currently under occupy you see so my HB will be recalculated and changed? TIA

poppy123456

As I advised, you can remain on HB because it will just be a change of address. I moved house back in January and claim HB. I remained in the same LA so remained on HB. They sent me a change of address form, which I filled in and returned. My HB was then recalculated based on where I live now. 

rachelh72

That's brill just what I wanted to hear. Thank you for being so helpful xxx

poppy123456

You're very welcome.