TP erosion.

justmeandthee

Hi, looking for some clarification please.
A move last year forced me onto UC and I was awarded Transitional protection. Due to living in a City my rent shortfall has been £450per mth.
I didn't think the new LHA would be applied until June as my assessment period is 5th-4th each mth. My LHA has increased by £225 which is still a shortfall of £225 per mth and I get cheap rent! That aside they have applied the new LHA on today's  statement but removed that amount from my TP. I thought this would only happen if I had a rent increase which I clearly haven't.
 I fully expected my TP to reduce by the basic uplift increase then further if and when I have a rent increase. 

poppy123456

TP erodes if other elements increase or you become entitled to others elements, which includes housing element. The only time it doesn't decrease is if childcare costs increase. See link.https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/transitional-protection-universal-

However, once you've moved to Universal Credit, if your entitlement increases (for example, due to an annual increase in benefit rates, a new element being included in your award or your rent increasing), your transitional protection element will be reduced by the same amount as the increase. Changes to your childcare costs will not reduce your transitional protection element.

This must be the SDP Transitional element, correct? That's the only TP possible unless you move through managed migration. 

justmeandthee

Hi Poppy, yes it's SDP Transitional element. 

It's poorly worded as it's not an increase in my rent as it's massively short to begin with. 
Wonder how the Government would cope if we all gave up our caring roles and applied for funding to replace what we do. 
Thank you for your help 🙂

poppy123456

I don't read it as poorly worded. It says an increase in an element would erode it. If someone's rent increases it would only erode if their housing element increases. LHA is still extremely low in comparison to what some private rents are, even with the increase this year.

Have you looked into applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment? (DHP) It's not guaranteed but worth applying for. That shortfall is huge! https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

Can't disagree about the caring roles. 

justmeandthee

It's my misunderstanding Poppy. I get it now.

I did look into it then felt guilty as I had some savings and thought it would be a far shorter shortfall come June. Thought I'd muddle through until June. I think I have to apply to see if I can get any extra help. 

The housing situation and LHA is beyond broken. 

Thanks again for your patience with me and taking the time to reply.