moving out of parent's house

cait02

im stressed as hell right now - I've found a DSS accepted flat that I want to rent but I struggle with managing money, however I made a very impulsive enquiry about the flat to the landlord. problem is, if I say I want it and I'm accepted, I currently do not have the money for deposit yet bc I've spent it all (impulsive spending is not fun btw! no one will help me though😂). I don't get paid until 18th Jan (technically 17th Jan since 18th is Saturday) - how long to landlords usually take to offer the place after enquiry and 2) **** do I do if it's between my pay days of UC & PIP... ? and if I get it would I have to let UC know before or after I move😭 idk anything bc all the info I've read the past few hours seems complicated to me and my parents literally haven't taught / told me anything about moving processes 👍🏻 thanks for any advice😭

poppy123456

You would only need to report the changes if you move into the flat. UC can't apply a change before it actually happens. Once you move in you will need to log into your journal and report a change. Then click where you live and what it costs. You will also need to provide proof of liability to pay rent, such as a tenancy agreement.

For your UC your entitlement is based on your circumstances on the last day of each assessment period. As your payment date is usually 19th of the month then this means your assessment period dates are 13th to 12th of every month. If you move in after the 12th of the month you will not receive any housing element until the following month. However, you can request a change of circumstances advance payment but this will need to be repaid back and your future UC payments will be reduced.

You should also check how much help with the rent that you'll be entitled to because when privately renting housing element of UC doesn't always cover the whole rent. If there's any shortfall you will need to pay that yourself. See link to check local Housing Allowance rates for the area.

As a single person if you're under the age of 35 then you'll be entitled to the shared rate of LHA unless you're PIP includes the daily living part and then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate.

If you need regular overnight care you maybe able to claim for an extra bedroom for a carer.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk

How long it takes to set everything up will depend on the landlord or agency, some are longer than others. They will very likely do some checks and will also need a reference as well as bank statements.

Please also bear in mind that you will have all other bills to pay as well such as gas, electric, water, internet, if you have that, TV license, as well as council tax. You will also be abled to claim council tax reduction from your local authority but the majority of people still have to pay something towards it.