I am homeless, I want to move to a different location to my UC jobcentre, will I upset UC if I do?

John786
John786 Online Community Member Posts: 24 Listener
in Benefits and income

So I live in a tent I dont actually have a location yet, but ive always lived in my home town and thats where I go for UC, (job centre) I have always used HB at my home location too.

I have suffered alot and finally I have some money and that keeps me safer. (UC)

However my home town is very dangerous full of crime and I want to get out of it.

IF I move how much will it affect my UC?

Should I just stay in my home town?

Can I keep my UC in my home city but apply for housing benefit in a different city?

What Im trying to avoid is rocking the boat in someway and having my money stopped ,

this is at least a change in circumstance? What else is it?

Comments

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,423 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    HI @John786 and welcome to the community. 😊

    I'm glad you've manage to get UC, I really hope it'll help you. Moving will not affect your UC, so that shouldn't be a worry. Have you spoken to Shelter about your housing situation, or the local council?

  • John786
    John786 Online Community Member Posts: 24 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1067580#Comment_1067580

    What do I do whats the exact process? So the estate agents in the new city get back to me tomorrow they have a flat I can afford, what do I do now ? Report a change to UC 1st? Apply to housing benifit in that city 1st? What do I do?

    Thanks for the welcome Albus :)

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,423 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    You'll need to let the DWP know asap after moving, preferably the day you move in, or the day after.

    They'll usually ask for a proof of occupancy too, as a new address will usually mean a change to any housing you're claiming as it will be a different location, thus a different amount paid.

  • John786
    John786 Online Community Member Posts: 24 Listener

    thanks so in the mean time I contact only housing benefit and my estate agents and how soon do they pay housing benefit is it at the end of the 1st month I move in upfront or the end of the 2nd month how does it work? How soon do they pay it is their a waiting time or none usually? Thanks Albus

  • John786
    John786 Online Community Member Posts: 24 Listener

    So just to confirm getting a flat in a new city is no more disruptive to UC than getting a flat in the same city does everyone agree, thanks very much indeed peeps!

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,206 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1067583#Comment_1067583

    Hi,

    You cannot usually apply for Housing Benefit if you are on UC. (There are a few exceptions but unlikely to apply in this case.)

    Housing costs are now managed by UC, and known as Housing Element instead.

    Housing Element would be paid at the same time as your UC payment as default, all in one lump. You can ask UC to pay your landlord directly if you prefer, by means of an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA). The number of weeks it takes to receive the first payment will depend on how far through a UC Assessment Period you are on the day that you move. UC also cannot process future changes, so you must make the change on the day that you move, or soon after. They will need to see proof of costs such as a rental agreement.

    UC itself should not be disrupted or reassessed at all, but you will most likely be reassigned to a different Job Centre after moving, one nearer your new location.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,423 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    I'd say it can vary. If you're moving to a new council, then it may cause some disruption to start with, as the local housing allowance is administered by the different councils. Unfortunately I'm not an expert on LHA, but hopefully one of our super smart regulars will be able to confirm everything here soon. 😊

Categories