Iresa-uc

Doglover2

I've asked this before a good while back..but my memory is so bad I still don't know what to do.

I know my move from income related esa to UC will be any day,the part ive a problem with is this. After the two week run on of esa and housing benefit Both stop right?

Do I have to pay My full rent in-between until UC kicks in and I get housing element. Three weeks after esa ends,. will they explain this when I apply for uc? I don't even know how to pay my rent to our local housing department. I'm afraid if I set up payment by the app or DD they will keep taking it afterwards when the housing element should be in place. There's no way I could afford it. I've money saved over the past three yrs to cover the rent as I knew it was coming id need to pay for those three weeks. Thanks in advance.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

If you rent from a Housing Association, contact them and let them know about your UC migration. They will already have had many other people going through this by now and they'll tell you what they prefer. Most don't expect any extra money for those 3 weeks, it gets taken out of future payments instead.

If Housing Benefit currently pay your Housing Association directly each month, then you can ask UC to do the same. As default, UC is setup to pay us the money, then we would normally send that to the landlord via Standing Order (regular bank transfer).

Kimi87

Some landlords set up a payment plan, where you pay a little a week until the arrears are paid off, and each UC payment then puts you 4 weeks into credit.

As I had the money I personally found it much simpler to pay those 3 weeks in full while waiting for Housing Element.

All you'd need to do is send a single one off payment of 3 weeks rent. Most have numerous payment methods. You would not need to set up a direct debit.

Payment methods for your Housing Association should be listed on their website.

Doglover2

It's housing executive in Northern Ireland, so my HB goes straight to them as I don't need to do anything as a rule. I'll be paying the three weeks in full, don't want to get into any debt tbh. Thank you for all the info @OverlyAnxious and @Kimi87

Kimi87

Lots of options listed:

https://www.nihe.gov.uk/my-housing-executive/advice-for-housing-executive-tenants/pay-your-bills/ways-to-pay-your-rent-and-rates

Doglover2

@Kimi87 Thank you. Most helpful. X