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Universal credit or housing benefit?

robertt

Hi everyone I'm 39yo living by myself, recently I was awarded daily PIP rate, and at the same time I'm receiving also universal credit with housing benefit component.
However two weeks ago I moved I simply found 1 bedroom flat and new landlord accepts dss, I have submitted my new address with universal credit people and they approved it. My question is.. Should I stay with universal credit in regards to my rent or I should apply for housing benefit directly with my local council?
Because I read on council website that people with PIP are eligible for housing benefit. If so which should I go for and what's the difference really, will i benefit from switching over to council since I'm eligible?
Thank you for your help

Robert.

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Comments

Adrian_Scope

Hello @robertt.
As you're receiving Universal Credit you're unfortunately not able to switch back to a legacy benefit such as housing benefit, so you'd continue on Universal Credit for your housing costs.
They use the same LHA so it doesn't make any difference in your situation.

As an aside, what you read about PIP meaning you can claim housing benefit isn't strictly accurate. If you receive SDP within an income-related benefit (SDP is a premium for some people who receive PIP, depending on their circumstances), this is what enables you to claim HB instead of UC.
This isn't relevant to you as you're already on UC and can't get SDP.

robertt

Ok thank you, because I also applied for DHP as I read its to get deposit bond for the property and am assuming that the council will pay my landlord once accepted. Its been two weeks and I haven't heard back yet.

poppy123456

Hi,

Being entitled to a DHP will totally depend on your local council and what funding they have left. As it would have been through them that you applied for this then you will need to contact them to ask.

robertt

Ok thank you guys.

MarkIngleton

I have a mortgage told I would be given interest payments off this when reading found they would charge me interest on the interest .

poppy123456

MarkIngleton said:

I have a mortgage told I would be given interest payments off this when reading found they would charge me interest on the interest .

Hi,

Sounds like you are talking about support for mortgage interest? https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest If so then this is purely a loan and will need to be repaid back sometime in the future.

This is different to the housing element or housing benefit, which is what the thread was orginially about.

MarkIngleton

So why don't renters have to pay back this is a big part o universal credit I lose if I can not pay this i am homeless i can not safe for deposit and rent i came not move as can not afford to the Bank has told me not to take it as i will be taken to court for the short fall by the bank if they take the interest

poppy123456

MarkIngleton said:

So why don't renters have to pay back this is a big part o universal credit I lose if I can not pay this i am homeless i can not safe for deposit and rent i came not move as can not afford to the Bank has told me not to take it as i will be taken to court for the short fall by the bank if they take the interest

Because you own your own house and renting is completely different. A person will never own the house they rent. To claim the SMI for help with mortgage interest, you need to have been claiming Universal Credit for 9 consecutive months with zero earnings.

MarkIngleton

Yes you are technically right ther is one fact we don't own the house if I go into care my house pays for it so I fact I dont

poppy123456

MarkIngleton said:

Yes you are technically right ther is one fact we don't own the house if I go into care my house pays for it so I fact I dont

Sorry but i'm not understanding you here.

MarkIngleton

In a nutshell better off paying for rent than owning your property as you get every thing payed for . AS if you own your house you pay for every thing and get nothing .As the government take your house to pay for care

poppy123456

Well it depends how you look at it. Some prefer to buy their house, others don't because they don't have the money to buy.

MarkIngleton

I have money no heating want a celling as toilet offer flowed two years ago no kichen to speak off water damage . I have no money till 28 of this month out off this £400 on Bill's they what's left is food for the month

poppy123456

@MarkIngleton

I'm sorry to hear this. That's not a very good situation to be in and definitely not healthy for you at all.

May i ask if you've spoken to anyone at all to see if there's any help you can get with repairs to your home? Your home must must be habitable and with no kitchen, heating and water damage, it doesn't sound very habitable to me.

I'd advise you to speak to your local council and tell them exactly what you're living in and the repairs that are needed. They will have their own rules to what help they can give you. Please have a read of this link here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/moving-and-improving-your-home/help-with-home-improvements/

I really hope you can find some help with your situation.

MarkIngleton

Thank you sorry little heated . have seen the council housing officer no I am responsible for all repairs .They said I would have to take a loan out .

poppy123456

I'm so sorry to hear this! There's definitely help available out there but it does depend on your local councils criteria and funding. If it was me then i'd be ringing again and speak to someone different.