Student finance and LCWRA

LittleRabbit

Hello guys. I am new here so firstly, hello 👋😀

I have what is very probably going to be a stupid question. Please don't laugh.

I have had a look at other people who have asked about Student finance when on disability benefits. But I can't seem to see anyone in my situation. I currently get UC with LCWRA and PIP (high daily living, low mobility). So I know i am able to get the special component of the maintenance loan and get UC still.

But basically, I've just done a calculation of what UC i would get after deductions the Maintenance loan, and it leaves me with a negative payment 😂 i was only calculating it to check it wasn't zero a month as I know the claim closes after 6 months of zero, and that terrifies me incase I can't cope and have to leave the course. Even just getting £1 and keeping my claim open is amazing. But that isn't what's happening as I get my rent paid directly to my landlord. Now I'm totally confused.

I am eligible for the full maintenance loan. After the special component is deducted, the remainder divided by the number of assessment periods I will have and the £110 taken off. I am left with £350 UC a month. The problem is, my rent is £550 and is paid directly to my landlord. So it's technically negative.

How would this be worked out and does that mean I will have zero months? Or will it be that i am eligible for £350 which is what counts, meaning my claim stays open? Will it be essentially for the purpose of eligible amount each month that because I am still entitled to £350 that my claim stays open... they just part pay my rent and I make up the difference privately?

I am honestly so confused. I know the obvious thing would be to pay the rent myself, but the housing association set it up this way after getting into rent arrears when my benefits weren't sorted when i first move in 4 years ago (they are paid off now). So I don't think I can? I also pay water straight out of my UC after getting into arrears with them too. So im extra specially in the negative with UC. With the £350 I am entitled to. What is prioritised? The rent or the water?

Is anyone able to help me with this? It would be much appreciated.

Thank you 😀

Mary_Scope

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

Universal credit and studying can become really complex so it is best to contact Disabled Students Helpline as they provide specialist advice and should be able to give you the correct information😊What are you studying?

Santaslove

I didn’t think you could get housing benefit and student loan at the same time. I wasn’t able to and I ended up having to pay back several months of housing benefits because I left my course early and applied for benefits but they said my student loan should cover the few months I had left of the course so I wasn’t eligible. I’m interested to know if things are different these days.

Kimi87

Housing Benefit has been replaced by Universal Credit Housing Element for those of working age, unless you live in supported or sheltered housing.

Universal Credit is made up of individual elements, it works by adding up entitlements and making deductions afterwards. No element is protected from deductions including Housing Element.

So it looks like your UC award would be £350 after deductions, leaving you to make up the rent shortfall privately.

I'd definitely recommend contacting the people that have been suggested, too.

Emilee

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/149189/student-finance-and-lcwra

Hello @LittleRabbit. As they will be paying your landlord, it still counts as an active award even if your amount is zero because it's actually £350, they're just paying it to your landlord instead of you.

Your UC won't close or end.

I've very frequently see them mess up student finance deductions so if your first UC statement doesn't come through as you expect, don't assume it's correct, double check it as they get these wrong so often, from using the wrong amount of assessment periods to not taking off the £110!

LittleRabbit

Hi @Santaslove

You never used to be able to. But since making all payments combined for Universal Credit, everything has changed as you no longer get housing benefit per se. I was in the same boat as you in the past 😭

LittleRabbit

HHi @Emilee

Thank-you so much for the advice and not making me feel stupid. I thought it might work that way but wanted to double check.

I'm going to speak with my housing association to see if there is a chance they can let me pay myself which will make things less complicated. But I won't hold my breath.

I will definitely take your advice and check everything. And make sure they have added it all up correctly. It's great advice 😀

LittleRabbit

HHi @Kimi87

Thank you. To be honest, I didn't realise that there was a helpline. I feel even more stupid now 😂

But I shall definitely call them just to make sure I've got it all correct.

LittleRabbit

Hi @Mary_Scope

Thank you for the warm welcome and advice. I didn't actually know there was a helpline. I feel even more stupid now 😂 i think you lovely helpful people have answered my question. But i shall call the helpline just to double check. Thank you again 🙂

Bluebell21

Hi @LittleRabbit welcome to the Community from me too. You never have to feel stupid on the forum, we all try to help each other where we can.

I am glad some of the members were able to help you.

Take care.

Emilee

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1152202#Comment_1152202

You're so welcome and good luck with your course! 😊