Move to UC from ESA and Housing Benefit—what about Council Tax?

CA1971
CA1971 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

hi,

I just got a letter from the DWP saying I have to migrate to Universal Credit instead of ESA (support) and Housing Benefit.

What will happen to my Council Tax relief? I thought you had to claim HB to be eligible. Or is that wrong?

I’m worried about delays too—will I have to cover my rent and council tax somehow while I am migrated?

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,591 Championing

    Council Tax Reduction is administered and paid by your local council. It's a stand alone benefit.

    They will be notified of your UC claim, and will recalculate your entitlement after your first payment statement.

    Some areas do treat UC income differently to legacy benefits, and some people have seen the amount they need to pay towards Council Tax increase.

    Universal Credit is paid a month in arrears, so even after your first Housing Element payment your rent account will be in arrears. You will have to speak to your Landlord about the best way to clear them so that each UC payment then puts your rent account one month into credit.

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