Are universal credit correct here? They've only paid for my new place's rent

JumpingJames
Member Posts: 29 Courageous
I moved into a new property on 21st November 2021 it’s with my friend and universal credit paid me on 28th £195 (half the rent). I queried this multiple times because up until 21st November I was living at a house where I got £469 in housing (so £280 more). M assessment period is 22nd October to 21st November. They said because my assessment period is 21st November I have been paid for my new place’s rent (£195) and not my old place’s rent (£469) when I have lived at my old place from all the period 22nd October to 21st November (moved on the 21st) Thank you.
Tagged:
Comments
-
Hi @JumpingJames
Thanks for posting, congratulations on the move, it must be exciting to live with your friend.
I am unsure about the answer to your query, but I have tagged your post as unanswered so hopefully other community members will be able to provide their insight as to whether UC are correct or not.
Online Community CoordinatorConcerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
Did you receive a helpful reply to your discussion? Fill out our feedback form and let us know about it. -
Hi @JumpingJames. Unfortunately this does sound correct. Although it's paid in arrears, your Universal Credit award is based upon your circumstances on the last day of your assessment period, so if you were living at your new property on the 21st (the final day of your AP) then it would be your new rent they consider.
It does seem unfair, especially in situations like yours. I know it's of little comfort but it would also work the other way too. For example if you'd lived the month in the lower rent property and then moved to the higher one on the final day, they'd consider your higher rent.
Are you and your friend joint tenants and each responsible for half of the rent?
-
I agree with Adrian here and it does sound right. Had you moved into your new place a day later then you would have received the rent amount for your previous property.
-
Adrian_Scope said:Hi @JumpingJames. Unfortunately this does sound correct. Although it's paid in arrears, your Universal Credit award is based upon your circumstances on the last day of your assessment period, so if you were living at your new property on the 21st (the final day of your AP) then it would be your new rent they consider.
It does seem unfair, especially in situations like yours. I know it's of little comfort but it would also work the other way too. For example if you'd lived the month in the lower rent property and then moved to the higher one on the final day, they'd consider your higher rent.
Are you and your friend joint tenants and each responsible for half of the rent? -
JumpingJames said: That’s ****. Yes half the rent, he moved in one money before me because I had to give one month notice on my old property.Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
-
Just a question, if I took this to mandatory reconsideration and then appeal could this get overturned?
-
JumpingJames said:Just a question, if I took this to mandatory reconsideration and then appeal could this get overturned?Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
-
By doing this you'll be wasting your time and their time.
Brightness
Categories
- 52.9K All Categories
- 10.4K Start here and say hello!
- 4.8K Coffee lounge
- 4K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.5K Research and opportunities to get involved in
- 148 Community updates
- 12K Talk about your situation
- 1.7K Children, parents, and families
- 756 Work and employment
- 575 Education
- 1.1K Housing, transport, and independent living
- 1K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 277 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 263 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 21.2K Talk about money
- 2.1K Benefits and financial support
- 4.4K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 12.3K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 2.4K Universal Credit (UC)
- 4K Talk about your impairment
- 1.3K Cerebral palsy
- 674 Chronic pain and pain management
- 700 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
- 751 Autism and neurodiversity
- 928 Mental health and wellbeing
- 298 Sensory impairments
Do you need advice on your energy costs?
Scope’s Disability Energy Support service is open to any disabled household in England or Wales in which one or more disabled people live. You can get free advice from an expert adviser on managing energy debt, switching tariffs, contacting your supplier and more. Find out more information by visiting our
Disability Energy Support webpage.