Housing element or rent

Shellyj13

When migration to U.C happens I understand that Housing benefit continues for 2 weeks after you claim.So for example I will have to pay this £500 remaining out of my own pocket? Or loan?.If they don't work out my claim for 7-10 weeks like they have done with some people ill be homeless

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Shellyj13. If there are no change of circumstances and you are invited to claim for UC, you will be classed as a 'managed migrant' and will receive transitional protection which is an extra amount of money to make up the difference between what you'd receive on the legacy benefits and UC. Here's where I found the information Citizens Advice - Moving to UC. You shouldn't be forced into homelessness as you will be protected. Hope that helps 😊

OverlyAnxious

If your rent has to be paid in the intermediate period after HB ends but before UC starts then yes, you will have to pay it somehow. But you're not actually losing it as that period will be covered by the first UC payment when that comes through.

If possible, I would recommend saving as much as you can before starting the UC migration in case it does get delayed for any reason. I do appreciate that's not possible for everyone.

You can apply for an advance payment if you really need it in that intermediate period. But that does need to be paid back when the UC starts, so it's only worth doing if absolutely necessary.

Shellyj13

Thank you for all this information

Shellyj13

Can I also ask who works out the housing element? For eg I have under occupancy and so do universal credit work this out? Does it just continue on like before? Does my landlord work it out or council?

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Shellyj13. This will be worked out for you by DWP. It affects UC in the same way as HB. Scope - Bedroom Tax.

Shellyj13

But surely as they've got all my details and n̈national insurance number it can stay the same?.

Rachel_Scope

Hi, as I said, HB and UC housing element are affected by under occupancy in the same way so I can't see a reason why the amount would change if your circumstances stay the same.

Shellyj13

Thank you

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/907958#Comment_907958

I've been paying extra on rent for this reason god I dread going on UC

Shellyj13

Catherine I decided not to take the advance and pay an amount on my credit card instead.Ive read on other sites that although this can be paid off in installments of say £20 month over the course of say 18 months it messes up the system.My landlord also told Me that U.C won't pay them directly as the Government want people even if they have disabilities to take responsibility unless otherwise instructed by a medical professional to say otherwise.

Catherine21

Oh OK some people say they get thiers directly to landlord god if they pay rent to me I'd definitely spend I hate all of this have you recieved your letter

Shellyj13

Yes recieved letter and migrated yesterday before child tax credits were due as I don't want any overpayments.A

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/908177#Comment_908177

It's all confusing to me

Shellyj13

Also I want it sorted before Christmas.

Catherine21

Yes exactly this ! I wish you the best let's us know how you get on

Shellyj13

Wishing you the best too x.

Catherine21

Thankyou x

Kimmy87

You can ask for UC Housing Element to be paid to landlord direct

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/when_universal_credit_can_be_paid_direct_to_a_landlord

I too paid what worked out at a few weeks rent when I claimed while waiting for my first UC payment - natural migration. It was just easier for me.