Transitional protection, rent increase and Local housing allowance.

Jenhal117

Hi everyone, im looking for some advice/clear explanation on my situation as what i have found online isn't exactly easily digestible for someone with ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia like myself.

I got moved to Universal credit a couple of years back and so far my claim has remained the same amount because there hasn't been any change to circumstances, i got given transitional protection which my claim still has of over £160. However the local housing allowance has risen from £625 per month to over £750 per month and because of this and because of the new landlord carrying out work to improve the building he is raising rents from the £625 it has been at for over a decade to the new local allowance rate of over £750.

Am i right in thinking because i have transitional protection of over what the rent increase is my claim will not be increased a penny and i will have to magically pull £125 out of thin air which will be impossible? If so is there any other services that can help me make up that difference as i am disabled to such a degree i cannot simply just go and work to make up the difference?

I am anxious as hell about this as i do not have £125+ spare each month, i spend most months going overdrawn because the extra costs that come with my disabilities eat up more than what i get on PIP which is currently at the lowest rate and into my UC which is supposed to barely cover the basic necessities of survival, without an increase i would have to go without food for 2-3 weeks each month just to cover the rent rise.

Im aware i need to also fight for a PIP increase but i have just had to fight a complaint against a negligent consultant so I've had to put it on hold till i have someone i can get reliable medical evidence from to support my claim.

Thanks to anyone who can explain, help or point me in the right direction of services that can help and sorry for the rant.

Kimi87

Correct, your overall UC award will not increase, instead it will be made up differently.

So your award would be:

Standard Allowance

LCWRA

Housing Element £750

Transitional Protection £35

There are funds available to top up rent formerly known as Discretionary Housing Payments, these are temporary so if granted you would need to re apply.

Citizens Advice have some information on what's now known as the Crisis & Resilience fund, as well as other financial help here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/cost-of-living/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/

Citizens Advice, or another local agency can also offer budgeting guidance (and I'm not meaning to be condescending - I myself didn't get to grips with budgeting until I was in my late 20's) and assistance with things like if you have any debts to make the repayments more affordable, looking at making affordability complaints.

They'll also know of local services like free food pantries, food banks or top up shops (in my area they run out of churches for £2 you can fill up a bag and most offer refreshments for before/after you shop) so you shouldn't have to go without food.

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Money Saving Expert is a fantastic website with a great forum, plus loads of information on reducing household bills & everyday expenses.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/