Help with bills.

ryleyyg

hello, my local council has finally accepted me on bidding on flats, after months of fighting and have been placed on band C. However, I understand band C isn’t top priority, but, I would like some advice, when I bid and if I get accepted by a place, can universal credit help me cover rent? As I have a disability, which makes it difficult for me to work.
I have money for the rent, and I am always paying my bills etc.

I just need advice on how universal credit pay/will if I get accepted, would it be safe to save some money first?
thanks.

Kimi87

You can have £6000 before Universal Credit would be reduced. Between £6000-£16000 a deduction of £4.35 for every £250 over £6k is made.

Over £16000 there would be no entitlement to UC.

Yes you can claim Universal Credit for help with rent (Housing Element).

Your first UC payment would be 5 weeks after claiming, and monthly thereafter.

What benefits do you currently receive?

ryleyyg

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1024572#Comment_1024572

I have PIP, LCWRA and UC standard at the moment

Kimi87

Perfect. So after you move in you would report the change in your address and Housing Costs. Once verified with your landlord (as you'd be in social housing UC do this themselves), UC would then add Housing Element to your monthly payment.

ryleyyg

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1024588#Comment_1024588

great, if they ask for one months rent in advance what would I do? Would they pay that for my or should I save up? Just incase

Kimi87

I would recommend save up because UC is paid one month in arrears.

If you are able to pay the first month yourself from savings, each UC payment would then put your rent account one month into credit.

This is what I did when I moved and it made life so much easier.

ryleyyg

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1024599#Comment_1024599

sounds good! I will probably do that then! Thank you