Hi, my name is susan_Grace! Struggling with finances on benefits, any advice?

susan_Grace
susan_Grace Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited January 7 in Benefits and income

on universal credit, first time on benefits. Really struggling to grasp everything. Cannot afford our rent even with housing benefit. Got to do a work assessment for my disabled daughter this morning. They cut my pay,emta down from &2200 a month (it was fhat high as fheh owed me money) with no warning it dropped to £930 a month….. my rent is £950! So we will be homeless in a few weeks. Warrington hoisimg cannot help, ghey offered a travel lodge room as the waiting list for a hoise is 18 months!!! So happy I found this site.

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,461 Championing

    Hi,

    Is this a private rental? How much is the LHA rate for your area and circumstances?

    If you post a screenshot showing which UC elements you get, we may be able to see if any are missing. Please cover any personal details if you do that.

    Good luck with the WCA this morning.

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 5,791 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @susan_Grace, welcome to the community. Sorry to hear you're in such a stressful situation at the moment. I hope we can help a little.

    Have you had any contact with advice agencies? Sometimes they can help put you in touch with other charities that might be able to assist you with your housing. Advicelocal have a directory. Or you could try Citizens Advice.

    You will have to check whether you are eligible, but sometimes you can apply for a descretionary housing payment to cover rent. It might not be a long term solution, but it could help buy you some time to get some other things arranged:

    Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) | warrington.gov.uk

    You could also have a look at a benefits calculator to see if there's anything else you might be able to claim:

    Turn2us Benefits Calculator

    I hope your daughter's assessment went well this morning.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing

    You said they cut your benefits, what was the reason they did that? Were you claiming child element and perhaps disabled child element for your daughter and then she left full time education?

    Or have they reduced your UC because you're affected by the benefit cap? Sorry but more information is needed for me to be able to advise.

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