Rent

CJ64

Hi, I am on ESA CB old style and i get full housing benefit i do not get UC obviously but i would like to know why so much rent is made to be paid, i have worked out over the years that they take 2 thirds off you when your money goes up, hence the Fact now i am paying 66% of my rent, which also means i am paying more Rent than i have left to live on??, Which is also after Council tax is taken off, £100 less than UC .And obviously Problem now is bills, Now there is no Cost of Living payment, which i relied on i am going to go spiralling into debt are there any places to help with this or do i just get loaded with debt. Thank you.

Emilee

You said you get full housing benefit, so your rent should be fully covered. What do you mean by you're "paying 66% of your rent"?

CJ64

Yes i do it's the same as my LHA meaning they pay me to pay my rent to my landlord or council , but i only have left now £252 a month to live on and i was wondering if his is right or not and can i get help from somewhere for bills which shall be going up again.

poppy123456

As you’re receiving full housing benefit for your circumstances this likely means you have a shortfall of rent to pay. The majority of people that rent privately have shortfalls of rent.

Unfortunately benefits do not take into consideration the bills you have to pay.

You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local Authority to help with the shortfall of rent, though it’s not guaranteed that you will receive it. If you do then it’s only paid for a short period of time before you’ll need to reapply. See link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

you can also check here that you’re receiving what you’re entitled to for housing benefit. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

CJ64

Thank you very much for your help poppy is very much appreciated.

Emilee

Also check whether you are receiving the correct ESA as you've only mentioned CB ESA, if you are receiving full housing you are likely entitled to income-related ESA. Have you looked at other benefits such as PIP?