Why did UC ask me these questions regarding rent being paid to me??

NewTime
NewTime Community Member Posts: 79 Contributor
in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi all - I need help regarding UC (again)

I asked UC if the rent can be paid to me now instead of the landlord, as this would help me financially for 5 days by covering my overdraft for a further time.

I used to have arrears taken from UC for my rent, but they have been removed because the landlord told UC they were getting arrears from DHP which are significant.

Then UC have asked me these questions and don't know how to answer them?

1 - Ask if been a change of circumstances (there haven't)

2 - Am I in dispute with landlord (no I am not)

3 - Ask if I have a support worker - I haven't - but is this some sort of trick question? Should I say or no? Why would they ask this question?

Thanks for any help.

Comments

  • NewTime
    NewTime Community Member Posts: 79 Contributor

    Also if they ask me about arrears, do I tell them about the DHP paying some of my arrears? They do already know this, but do I need to repeat it?

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,889 Championing
    edited June 10

    Rent paid to Landlord is usually done if the claimant is vulnerable in some way.

    So UC are doing the right thing by asking these questions, for your own protection and safeguarding reasons.

    You should answer honestly to all questions, UC might refuse to allow your request if they feel you are still vulnerable - using your rent payment to ease cash flow essentially isn't a great idea tbh.

    You might be better getting some support around managing your overdraft from one of the organisations who offer free debt advice.

    https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/practical-emotional-advice-when-in-debt

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