How do we manage? Charged bedroom tax but have no spare rooms

nannydotty101 · December 2

disabled need heat all day help cleaning food gardeners taxis decorators careers places to go people to talk to and shopping all costing more than one average undisabled person how does the maths work seriously how does it work the little extra hardly pays a cleaner each week let alone gardeners are you changing pip are u changing uc I now have to pay bedroom tax for my 34 year old daughter never did on esa why now £100 per month and now I pay towards council tax I have not got a spare room my daughter lives in it and always has but gov say it’s spare coz she is 34 yet her 7 year old lives with me too don’t get your working out government you have killed me lost 3 stone in weight as can’t pay that and decent food

nannydotty101 · December 2

Ross1975 · December 2

Maybe if you could get the 7 year old to have the spare room as her bedroom and your 34 year old daughter sleeps in the living room you may not have to pay the bedroom tax? I don't really know exactly how it works.

Also citizens advice might be able to help and point you in the right direction if you explain your situation to them.

nannydotty101 · December 3

I have tried that but they just will not listen to me but thank u for the advice

Rachel_Scope · December 3

It sounds like a tough situation @nannydotty101. Is your daughter able to help with cleaning and gardening?

I'd recommend using a https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/ as there might be some extra money you're entitled to. There are also food banks if you're struggling to buy food.

nannydotty101 · December 3

I have fort this with UC and my council she herself is disabled and on UC and pip but I am getting nowhere thank you

Rachel_Scope · December 3

If you live in a 2 bedroom property with your daughter and grandson then I'm not sure why they are saying you have a spare room. There's some good information here that explains the rules and how to appeal - What is the Bedroom Tax?

There's some information here that explains what is taken from the Housing Element of UC if another adult lives with you. There are exceptions to this depending on what benefits your daughter receives https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/universal-credit-uc-housing-costs-element/universal-credit-uc-what-if-i-have-another-adult-living-with-me#:~:text=housing%20costs%20element%3F-,Universal%20Credit%20(UC)%3A%20What%20if%20I%20have%20another%20adult,See%20full%20definition%20.

Have you looked at all of your outgoings and checked that there aren't any payments going out that shouldn't be? It's easy to miss an old subscription payment for example. There's a Budget Planner which might help you see where your money is being spent and if there's anything you can change.

nannydotty101 · December 3

it’s a 3 bedroom and it’s my husband me daughter and granddaughter

Rachel_Scope · December 3

I'm still not sure why they are charging you bedroom tax as your grandson is entitled to his own room. Does he stay anywhere else or just with you? If a child is classed as having a main home somewhere else that can affect it. There's more information here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/renting-social-housing/the-bedroom-tax-how-it-works-and-who-it-affects/#:~:text=an%20adult%20couple,room%2C%20you%20may%20be%20affected.

nannydotty101 · December 3

no he lives permanently with us

Rachel_Scope · December 3

I've changed the post title to include the bedroom tax issue and maybe someone who has more knowledge can offer their advice. Reading the information I've sent you it doesn't make sense that you're classed as having a spare room, but maybe there's something I'm missing. Sorry I can't be more help.

nannydotty101 · December 3

thank you

Chris75_ · December 3

Have you considered getting less cleaning done? I pretty much gave up cleaning during the pandemic, and really only vacuum and wipe the toilet.

nannydotty101 · December 3

I have a child living with me 2 disabled people and cleaning is essential

Chris75_ · December 3

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1088135#Comment_1088135

You know best what your needs are, but if it was me, I would at least look at how much it is costing me, and whether I could cut out an hour here and there.

Anhedonia · 5:01PM

If you are in a 3 bedroom house, with your daughter and your grandchild, you should not be being bedroom taxed. It sounds as though they have not put them properly on your claim. Is this for UC? If so, double check both your daughter and your grand child are listed on the 'other people who live with you' section. They have 100% made an error here.

nannydotty101 · 5:19PM

thank u I have put a note on my journal I am so confused with it all I’m waiting for a response I so hope they will sort this out thank you everyone

Rachel_Scope · 5:37PM

Will you let us know the outcome please @nannydotty101? I'm very confused by it all and they definitely seem to have made a mistake.

nannydotty101 · 6:50PM

Yes I will let u know they have got back to me but are saying I don’t need regular help at night which I do so we are going back and forth at the moment

How do we manage? Charged bedroom tax but have no spare rooms

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