Moving flats on benefits

LM28
LM28 Online Community Member Posts: 59 Connected
in Housing and independent living

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the process of potentially securing a new place to live (nothing fully confirmed yet, but things are moving forward), and I wanted to get a bit ahead in understanding what I might need to do from a benefits/admin perspective.

I’m currently on Universal Credit (LCWRA) and PIP, and I receive help with housing costs through UC.

If my move-in date ends up being around the end of May (31st), I’d love some advice on:

  • When I should inform Universal Credit of the change of address
  • How the housing element works when moving between properties and there being an increase in rent.
  • Anything I need to do regarding council tax
  • Any other key things I might not be thinking about when moving while on benefits

I’d really appreciate any guidance or personal experiences-just trying to feel a bit more prepared and informed ahead of time.

Thank you :)

Comments

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 1,245 Connected

    You'd probably have to give 30 days notice on your current address in order to move, which for the end of May would be next Friday, 1st of May.

    Same with the benefits office, 30 days notice as it'll take them a month to sort out the paper work.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,721 Championing
    edited April 24

    Universal Credit can't deal with future changes, so you need to report your new address & rent amount on the day you move, or asap afterwards.

    Are you looking at social housing or a private rental?

    You will need to update your local authority with your new address for Council Tax purposes. Same for Council Tax Reduction, if you already receive this or need to make a brand new application once you've moved.

    Do be aware that there might be an overlap for both Council Tax & rent. UC Housing Element will pay rent for your current address up until you move. Depending on your dates you may need to pay rent on the new property from signing the tenancy to moving in. You may be able to get help with this.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,887 Championing
    edited April 24

    .

  • LM28
    LM28 Online Community Member Posts: 59 Connected

    thanks @Kimi87 thats really helpful. It will be with a private rental and the UC housing element will only be covering 2/3rds of the rent.

    Would I need to pay the discretionary housing payment back if I was awarded it? Is it a type of loan?

    There’s just so much to think about when moving on benefits but I’m hopefully getting out of an unsafe environment into a safe one so that’s all that matters.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,721 Championing

    If your UC Housing Element does increase, it will be backdated to the beginning of the assessment period that the change was reported in.

    DHP's are grants essentially so no repayment is needed.

  • LM28
    LM28 Online Community Member Posts: 59 Connected

    That makes sense! When would I need to apply for the DHP? Once I got my contract through for the new flat?

    I was able to get a loan from UC when I moved into my current place. Can’t remember what it was called but it was related to housing and I paid it back monthly which came out of my UC money. Hopefully I could do this again if I was unsuccessful with the DHP grant.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,721 Championing

    Yes I believe once you have your new contract, you'd then apply for a DHP to cover the overlap.

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