House benefit help

mark220
mark220 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited February 24 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hello there I'm going through a end of marriage and been told I need to move out of my family home I can't work any more from a injury I had I'm on UC lcwra and pip full mobility

And just my marriage as now got to the point of over we both agree for me to move out but I can only find places to rent some are ok at prices and some or shared with all the bills and tax included what is easiest for me but I'm being told by different people that us well help but not included the bills but the landlord I talk to z they well as the bill.and the rent will be the same if the bills was not included and then I'm being too because I'm on Lcwra I go under the 1 bedroom for a shear place and they well pay up to 675 a month under that and I can get the rest cover but the council but I couldn't remember the name as I did fine a place that is a full studio with all ready done bed and dishwasher and everything for 1k a month with all bills and WiFi included but want to know if the house benefit we'll help and pay the 675 like it said or not over the bills being on there as well thanks sorry I'm new to all this

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  • mark220
    mark220 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Just want to add what is the better way to get place that is ok with people on pip UC and Lcwra? I think they z it called DDS accepted but I can't find anywhere that is ok with this have I got it right? And is it safe to look on Facebook or gumtree or is.somewhere like right move or room to rent better sorry for all the questions but I need to find a place that I can call my new home thanks 👍

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,977 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @mark220 and welcome to the community. You don't need to apologise for anything at all 😊 I'm really sorry that you're going through all this. I've got some links for you to have a look at that should help.

    https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get This tells you what you'll be paid.

    https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit/renting-from-private-landlord This explains how they work out your entitlement if renting from a private landlord. There are restrictions on support if you are under 35 years old and you’ll usually only be able to claim for a single room in a shared house. If you're over 35, you can claim for a 1-bedroom home.

    https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit/renting-from-local-authority-or-housing-association Here's some information on renting from the local authority or housing association.

    You don't need to tell the landlord that you are on benefits unless they ask. Here's some things you can do if they refuse to let to you and also whether it is classed as discrimination https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/starting-to-rent-from-a-private-landlord/preparing-to-rent-from-a-private-landlord/#:~:text=If%20you%20get%20Housing%20Benefit%20or%20Universal%20Credit&text=You%20only%20need%20to%20tell,the%20landlord%20or%20letting%20agent.

    I always used Rightmove when I was renting, I can't comment on whether Facebook or Gumtree is a reliable source. I'm sorry I've thrown a lot information at you but I really hope it helps. Ask as many questions as you need.

  • mark220
    mark220 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank you for the links I appreciate you doing this and your time it be honest I don't really understand them I'm over 35 but it's the rent with the bills including that I don't understand as the guy saying that he just say it all rent and that I can get UC to pay up to 675 I think it was and then get the other part from the cancel for the top up fund if that a thing I don't know

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,700 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1104701#Comment_1104701

    Hi,

    That landlord is pushing the boundaries a bit. What he's saying is that he'll include bills, but your tenancy agreement will show it all as rent in order to claim more benefits. Not really the right way to do it, but it sounds like he knows what he's doing to exploit a loophole. I don't know whether that's actually illegal or not.

    The £675 depends on your area. Maybe the landlord has already checked for you, but it would be worth checking that yourself as well. Just put the postcode in here and see what maximum the 1-bedroom rate is for your area.

    Search for Local Housing Allowance rates by postcode or local authority : DirectGov - LHA Rates

    Most people have to top-up anything extra from their other benefits. In some cases, the council will pay the extra through a Discretionary Housing Payment, but that is absolutely not a certainty and should not be relied on. Again, it sounds like this landlord knows how to 'play the game' so I won't say any more on that.

    What I will say though, is it's incredibly difficult to find private rented properties that will accept benefits nowadays, let alone a single male on benefits. If you have found one willing to accept you, then that may be your only option. Just make sure this landlord is not taking advantage of you in any way.

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