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Universal credit

lucymelz

hi I recently had a universal credit review which was fine apart from the fact that they said I was no longer able to claim because I had extra income in the summer from rental - part of the government’s rent a room scheme which is tax-free up to £7500, and it’s not counted as income according to universal credit. And yet they said they have a cap – if I earned £6000 under the renter room scheme I am no longer eligible for universal credit. Does anybody else have any experience with this situation?

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Comments

Adrian_Scope

Hello @lucymelz.

I haven't had a lot of experience with the rent-a-room scheme but from my understanding the income is usually ignored from UC and I can't seem to find any information about a cap, except the tax-free limit you mentioned of £7500.

Did they put in writing that you are no longer able to claim and the reasons why?

Do you have savings or capital above £6,000 or £16,000?

lucymelz

thank you. No I know I have no savings above £6000 and I’m on a low income. a seasonal thing for the summer. However when they did the review they used my summer bank statements and now they’re saying there is a £6000 cap and therefore I’m no longer entitled to you claim universal credit. It’s very confusing as like you said I can’t find any information about that anywhere else. Anyway, I have cancelled my claim because of it. But now I want to claim again so they can see my last six months. Does anybody have any advice on doing this? I’m worried they’re going to look at the last 12 months instead and say that I’m not eligible still. Hoping someone can give me advice. Thank you, Lucy.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @lucymelz. Sorry that no-one was able to answer your question. Have you reapplied?