Universal Credit (inc T-Protection) & housing benefit/element

NewTime

Hello all,

I posted in another topic regarding my migration from JSA to UC and it seems that my transition is going smoothly and I should get the right amount (phew). That ampunt is just over £1000 and includes the TP, but no housing element as I haven't previously needed it.

I thought it would be better to create a new topic to the one below.

Other topic:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/127699/jsa-to-uc-transitional-payment-protection-more/p1?new=1

However, just before Xmas I became homeless after issues with my family. I lived with my father who already received housing benefit and therefore there were no issues. I have had to move away from that area as my only way to have somewhere to live.

I have had to duck and dive since then. My friend has put me up for a few days, but it couldn't last much longer as he has a very small studio flat. Fortunately, I had family members who are putting me up and despite them saying I could be there for however long it takes, it seems they want me to try and move on ASAP. They have decided this for two reasons, as they are on pension credit and believe it may affect their benefits and they'll get a huge bill and I also believe that they would prefer their own space.

I have now been told in the other topic that because I would get transitional protection on Universal Credit, that any housing element would not be on top to cover housing costs.

Would anyone be able to help with this going forward because I know a lot of people who are on benefits that get their housing covered.

Also any help in finding accom would be very helpful too, as it currently looks very bleak for me.

Thank you.

Kimmy87

Following on from your other thread.

Your father gets hb because he is of pension age. hb can only be claimed now under very specific circumstances, none of which you qualify for.

Help with rent is paid via UC Housing Element for the vast majority if you are of working age.

You will be entitled to Housing Element.

Your TP is £626.40.

As I explained on your other thread, an award of Housing Element would reduce that Transitional Protection.

So if you were eligible for £500 Housing Element, you would get it.

But at the same time, your TP would reduce by £500.

Leaving your award as:

Standard Allowance: £393.45

TP: £126.40

Housing Element: £500

Deductions

Advance Payments: £21.86

Debt & Loan repayments: £76.50

Total: £921.49

With regards to finding somewhere to live, your local council may have a list of benefit friendly landlords.

It's also worth registering as homeless with your local council, to see if there is anything they can do. There probably are also local homeless organisations and perhaps a housing rights group.

https://www.openrent.co.uk/

This website cuts out letting agents and gives direct communication with landlords.

NewTime

When you say that there are landlords that are benefit friendly, isn't it quite irrelevant in terms of money as it equals itself out?

Kimmy87

I mean landlords who are willing/able (some mortgages prevent it) to let properties to tenants on benefits.

Unfortunately there is a lot of discrimination (despite now being illegal they will just claim another reason for refusal) towards renting to those on benefits, and it can be difficult to secure a property in the private sector.