Question about HB to HCE in UC

Meg24

I'm waiting for my migration from ESA SG to UC, I also get HB and CTax support.

I know that after the 2 week run on I will lose 3 weeks income, but does this include money for my rent? Obviously the rent has to still be paid but I do not want to take an advance payment as debt makes me worry to much, I would rather try and save the money in advance.

Also, I have been reading some worrying posts on Righsnet that people who have their HCE paid to them with their UC rather than direct to landlord have been having that money counted as income for the calculation of Council Tax support, which is obviously completely wrong morally, but is apparently being accepted as justified by many councils. How quickly can I get a direct to landlord payment set up? And what evidence do I need to supply to get one? I gather that this is not a guaranteed right and that is discretionary based on the DWP officer's opinion - is there any way to appeal this if it is refused?

Thanks

poppy123456

You won’t lose 3 weeks income because your UC payment will cover a 1 month period from the date you claim. You are actually gaining because of the 2 week run on.

HCE? Do you mean HE (housing element) you can ask for it to be paid straight to your landlord and hopefully it will be done in time for your first payment.

Meg24

I'm so confused by all this. Can you walk me through it?

So I get paid two week money every Friday, let's say the 1st, then the 15th etc. That money pays for two weeks of my rent contribution and CTax contributions, bills food etc, it lasts me for two weeks and then it's gone.

My understanding was that I would claim UC, let's say I did that on the same day as my ESA payment, I would get another ESA 2 weeks after that (the 2 week run on) and then I wouldnt get any money for 3 weeks. On the face of it that would leave me with 1 week of no income, however I understood that UC was paid in advance and ESA in arrears, so that would leave me without any money for rent for 3 weeks? If that's wrong, I still have no money for at least one week?

What have I got wrong? 😅

poppy123456

The first part regarding your ESA payment is correct. Your understanding that UC is paid in advance is incorrect.

It’s paid 1 month in arrears. Say for example you claimed it today, your assessment periods will be 4th to 3rd of every month, so first AP will be 4th Sept to 3rd Oct and first payment will be 10th Oct. That payment covers you for the period between 4th Sept and 3rd Oct.

If 10th of the month falls on a weekend or bank holiday you will receive your payment on the last working day before that.

If you have problems managing your money due to your health conditions you can ask for an Alternative Payment Arrangement. (APA) it’s not guaranteed and will depend on the reasons why you need payments more often. If they agree to payments twice a month then your UC payments will be split into 2 equal payments. See link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-alternative-payment-arrangements/alternative-payment-arrangements

Meg24

Ok, thanks. So hopefully my rent should get paid with no gaps? I will in practical terms be without income for 1 week then during the switchover, but I can plan for that. I was so worried I'd have to find the rent aswell but hopefully not then.

I find change very difficult due to my MH issues, hopefully that might be enough to get an APA because I do worry about having to make the money last a whole month as I'm not very good at keeping track of things. I used to have a Yorkshire Bank app which was very good at being accurate day to day, but they changed it to a Virgin app and honestly I never know where I am with my balance these days it's so rubbish.

So would I have to apply for an APA and a direct rent payment to my landlord separately, they're not part of the same application I take it?