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What benefits can cover bills?

MacLeanK

Hi everyone.
I currently receive PIP and LCWRA, but was wondering if there is anything else I can apply for to cover the costs of my bills? I live alone in a relatives home and was told previously rent, council tax etc can’t be claimed as it is a family members house. However, with the cost of living increases I was wondering if that may have changed? I have also just read about PIP rates increasing. Does anyone know if this just applies to England or Scotland too and when this should come into effect?

Thank you so much.

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Comments

poppy123456

Edited because misread the question.

Which family member does the house belong to and do you pay rent and have a tenancy agreement?

You can check all the proposed benefits increases for April 2023 here. They apply nationally. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1119548/benefit-and-pensions-rates-2023-2024.pdf

MacLeanK

Biblioklept said:

The PIP increases are for everyone but it isn't until April. How are you related to the relative you rent from and do you have a standard tenancy agreement with them and stuff?

Also I do think you can claim council tax reduction, I'd double check that advice just in case!!!

Thank you for your response. So I live in my parents flat, alone, and we do have a tenancy agreement. Thank you so much!

MacLeanK

poppy123456 said:

Edited because misread the question.
Which family member does the house belong to and do you pay rent and have a tenancy agreement?
You can check all the proposed benefits increases for April 2023 here. They apply nationally. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1119548/benefit-and-pensions-rates-2023-2024.pdf

Hi there. Thank you for your response. So I live in a property owned by my parents, alone. I do pay rent and I do have a tenancy agreement, yes. Thank you so much.

poppy123456

It maybe possible to claim for help with the rent from UC known as housing element but it will be down to a decision maker to make the final decision.

I'd advise you to report a change of circumstances on your journal (if you have one) tell them that you're renting your home and who from. They will ask you to send them a copy of the tenancy agreement.

As you live alone if they agree to pay for help with the rent then you would be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of LHA. See link. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

You must be renting on a commercial basis to get housing related benefits.

This usually means you have a legally binding tenancy agreement.

Your family member doesn't have to make a profit from renting to you. It can still be a commercial letting even if you're charged below the usual market rent. But your relative should intend to take on the rights and responsibilities of a landlord.

Benefit decision makers will consider whether your relative would enforce the agreement. For example, by serving notice to end the tenancy if you don't pay rent.

They may also check that the tenancy hasn't been set up just so you can claim benefits.

Informal family arrangements

Informal arrangements don't count as renting on a commercial basis. For example, if you stay in a relative's home and only contribute towards food or bills.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/claiming_benefits_if_you_rent_from_family