UC, LCWRA, HOUSING and returning to studies

liarose12
liarose12 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited June 10 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi everyone! sorry if this is the wrong spot to post this, im just looking for some advice regarding going back to university and UC.

Bit of back story - I've been claiming UC & awarded LCWRA for approx 2 years for mental health reasons and prior to this I was a full time University Student but studies came to an end in first year due to these struggles. Last year I was able to move out into a flat by myself which has significantly helped my mental health, I currently receive the housing element to help me with my rent. I've taken the last few years to really work on myself and improve my health as much as possible, and i can finally say I'm in a good place currently. My plan was always to try to return to Uni so I felt that this is the right time to do it. I applied, got accepted and due to start my studies in September. I've decided to move into Student Accommodation closer to the area which I move to in the beginning of September.

Now this is where I get confused, I'm not sure when I need to tell UC that I will be studying as a full time student. I understand I will not be eligible for UC when my studies begin and that I will lose my LCWRA and housing element.

As I get the housing element, I understand I need to tell them that I am moving too. When would be the right time to do this? I get paid every 7th and plan to give my 1 months notice on the 26th of July which I believe means I would need to leave by the 26th of August (I chose 26th as this is the day i pay rent). I'm on a rolling contract and I've never moved before, let alone had UC help with housing so I have no idea how im meant to go about it all.

My course starts around the 20th of September I believe so I wanted to tell UC before this start date, so that there is no issue around overpayments etc but I'm not sure if thats the right way to do it? or is there a process?! Same for when I tell them that I will be moving, Do I tell them when I put my 1 months notice in or do I tell them after ive moved out/on the day i move out?

I'm so sorry if this is confusing - I just want to make sure that I get this right! I appreciate any help anyone can give me, Im new to all of this and scared of messing up. I should've planned ahead but got too wrapped up in the excitement of going back to university.

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Comments

  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 13,878 Championing

    Hey! First off, massive congrats on getting into uni and doing the hard work to get to a better place — that’s a huge step and something to be really proud of. 💛

    I totally understand why all the UC stuff is overwhelming — you’re asking all the right questions though, so you’re doing great.

    A few things to help clarify:
       •   You only need to tell UC about being a full-time student once your course starts (like a week before). So you can wait until early September.
       •   Moving: Tell UC around the day you move, not when you give notice. So late August is perfect to report the address change.
       •   UC + full-time students: If you don’t get PIP, UC will likely stop once your course begins. If you do get PIP, you might still qualify for LCWRA/UC — worth checking.
       •   Don’t worry about overpayments — you’re taking the right steps to stay ahead of it.

    Also, Citizens Advice can walk you through it if it still feels confusing. You’re not alone in this.

    I would also like to welcome you to this forum and you have definitely come to the right place for support. However if you are wanting some distraction I would use the coffee lounge for a general chat and the games den for some fun downtime

  • liarose12
    liarose12 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1035370#Comment_1035370

    hi! Thank you so so much for your reply and for explaining everything so clearly! This makes a lot of sense now, I feel much better about everything! Thank you so much!!! 💛💛

  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 13,878 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1035381#Comment_1035381

    aww I'm so glad that I have been able to help you

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