UC and housing element confusion

Redeemed

Just had a thought. When I was on either ESA in support group or IS and Carers our son was in the support group for ESA for mental health problems and we NEVER had to pay any rent at all.
Now on UC they are saying he can contriibute £73 a month from his ESA.
Is this right?

poppy123456

Hi,

The housing element under UC has different rules to housing benefit. To be excluded form the non dependent deductions for UC then you or your partner must claiming a qualifying benefit such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care.

You would also be exempt if your son is under the age of 21 or receives a qualifying benefit himself, such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care or receives carers allowance for looking after someone.

If none of those apply then yes, there's a non dependent deduction of £73.89 per month. See link. https://england.shelter.org.uk/legal/benefits/universal_credit/housing_costs_under_universal_credit/calculating_the_housing_costs_element_renters/housing_costs_contributions_non-dependant_deductions

Here's a link for the non dependent deductions for housing benefit. There may or may not have been any deductions it would have depended on circumstances. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non-dependants

Redeemed

Do they ever miss a trick? It appears not.

poppy123456

In some cases the housing element of UC is a lot more generous than housing benefit was for non dependent deductions.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @Redeemed, I hope @poppy123456 has been able to clarify things. If you need anymore information then please do let us know.