UC Housing Element advice

z_kap2112

My partner and I currently live separately and both are on UC including LCWRA element. I am living rent-free with family, my partner is renting privately and receiving the housing element of UC. We intend to move to live together some time this summer and intend to claim housing element to help with costs.

Due to our disabilities we require a bedroom each, and the rules do allow for that, but what is the process for having this approved? Is there a way that we can get some sort of pre-approval on our claim for housing element before we sign a contract, as we cannot afford rent without it, and so can't really enter into a contract without knowing the support we need from UC will be given…

Also, we are considering sharing a home with a friend, and would in that case be looking for a three bedroom property - would UC still pay the same amount for our two bedrooms in a three bedroom property as they would for an entire two bedroom property?

Lastly, the friend who we are considering living with intends to claim UC with housing element. They are under 35, but do receive PIP, so I understand they would be paid up to the one bedroom rate of housing element, even if living in shared accommodation, is that correct?