Council Tax scenarios - questions

NewTime

Hello all.

I currently receive Universal Credit at a decent rate (over £1k/month) after migrating from JSA and also receive PIP. I have found myself technically homeless, but being put up by distant family, but they want me to move too too and I get that.

I have been given the knock back by letting agents and landlords and find myself in a desperate situation if this continues. However, i have started using SpareRoom and potentially there are rooms, but I do not know how I am affected by Council Tax or how the other person maybe is.

Scenario A -I move in a property with a full working Individual and remain on UC for the time being.

Scenario B - I move in a property with a student who also is exempt from Council Tax and I am on UC.

Would I get a deduction or would it be a full deduction for the household etc?

Also, anyone any ideas to how to find a property if the above doesn't happen? As I could do with finding somewhere this month.

Thanks

poppy123456

As a lodger you will not be responsible for the council tax. In this case it's the person you'll be lodging with that is responsible. They will charge you rent which will include bills, including council tax.

It's not easy to find a landlord that will accept someone claiming benefits. If you are lucky enough to find one then they may also ask for a guarantor.

You could also put your name down on the social/council housing list by filling out a form. In most areas you must have lived In that area for at least 3 years or have a local connection to that area, with family living there. (friends do not count)

For lodging it maybe an idea to have a look on spareroom.

Please also note that because your UC includes Transitional Protection, (TP) when you do eventually claim for help with any rent that TP will erode so you may not be any better off but it will depend on how much TP you receive and what your housing element entitlement is. TP will erode by the same amount as your housing element.