Relocating to a new Local Authority area and claiming UC

jamesmc

Hi All.

Can anyone help me.

I'm considering moving out of the West Mids to a new area where my brother lives. Though I was born and brought up in the WM area my parents have now died and my siblings have left the area. I'd like to go to the South-West where my brother lives and have seen accommodation I can apply to. My question is - can I simply make a claim for UC which would include the housing benefit payment? I receive UC with incapacity for work. Many thanks.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

If you already receive UC with LCWRA then you don't need to start a new claim when you move. Just change the address on your existing claim.

Housing Benefit isn't part of UC. If it's private rented or social housing then you can have the Housing Element added to your existing UC claim. If it's sheltered accommodation then you would have to apply for Housing Benefit through the local council, separately from Universal Credit.

Kimi87

If you already receive Universal Credit, then once you have moved you report the change of circumstances (where you live and what it costs) to apply for Housing Element.

If renting privately UC Housing Element pays up to the maximum Local Housing Allowance for your area. Often it doesn't cover the whole rent which you would need to top up.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Mary_Scope

Hi @jamesmc and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I see our lovely members Kimi and OverlyAnxious have already answered your question so I won't add anything new today but it's lovely to have you here on the community and I hope you enjoy your time here😊