UC Housing Element?

user1738593

Hi asking for someone else, their family member has gone into prison and the family home rent has been payed for 6 months under UC rules, but has now stopped would another family member be able to claim UC housing cost of they explained the family member is currently in prison awaiting trial and that the tenancy agreement isn’t in their name. Would this be allowed? Online states that housing benefit can be payed up to 52 weeks whilst on remand but how does it work do they actually pay it and can you claim after having a UC claim closed?

Most importantly can the family member claim the UC HE?

poppy123456

Housing element of UC is only paid for up to 6 months if in prison. After this time it will stop and your UC claim will be closed.

New claims for housing benefit are no longer possible for working age people.

The family member will not be able to claim help with the rent on their behalf.

OverlyAnxious

If the other family member lives in the home, they could ask the landlord to have the tenancy changed to their name. The landlord has no obligation to do that, but it is worth an ask. (That also assumes they are eligible for UC as well.)