HB when children go to Uni

SuzySu

Does anyone know what happens to HB when children go to Uni? I will have two children at Uni in a year's time and I'm assuming my HB will be drastically reduced (it was reduced when DD1 went this year) but what happens when they come home for the holidays? Where are they supposed to stay?

If my situation is re-assessed I presume I will be judged to need a two bed house (for me and DS), but I also need to provide a bedroom for DD1 and DD2 when they are not at Uni (they have always shared a room). There is no way I can stay in this house (3 bed) if this happens. Does anyone have any advice please.

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

wouldnt you be able to keep the 3bed house and pay the difference in h/b rates?as they will be at home for around 25 weeks of each year it wouldnt be unreasonable for you to ask for a contribution towards the rent.

SuzySu

I already pay the difference between HB and my rent but if they reduce HB even further (as suggested by entitledto.com) I would not be able to afford to stay here. HB accounts for just under half my rent at the moment, but would (could) drop to 20%(ish) when they are both at Uni.

bestpud

SuzySu wrote: »

I already pay the difference between HB and my rent but if they reduce HB even further (as suggested by entitledto.com) I would not be able to afford to stay here. HB accounts for just under half my rent at the moment, but would (could) drop to 20%(ish) when they are both at Uni.

I think Woodbine is suggesting they pay you rent when they are home (as they will receive student grants/loans) and that will mean you are paying less of the difference, or only paying it when they are away iyswim?

The only other option I can think of is a cheaper 3 bedroom house...?

SuzySu

Ah I see - ask them for a contribution towards the rent. Will give it some thought, although I would still struggle for the rest of the year. I am in one of the cheapest 3 beds round here already. It is actually a 2-bed conversion so not a large house anyway.

Thanks for your replies and advice - much appreciated.

SuzySu

Had another think about this situation and I really don't feel I could ask them to contribute to the rent when they are here. They pay for their accommodation throughout the whole of the year (maybe not the Summer months) so that's like asking them to pay twice?

Anyway.... will need to come up with a plan soonish.

bestpud

SuzySu wrote: »

Had another think about this situation and I really don't feel I could ask them to contribute to the rent when they are here. They pay for their accommodation throughout the whole of the year (maybe not the Summer months) so that's like asking them to pay twice?

Anyway.... will need to come up with a plan soonish.

Students don't usually pay during the summer months, as you say, and tbh, they should be offering you some money towards food etc anyway - they will be receiving the student equivalent of benefits for their keep...

Alternatively, if you don't feel they will be happy to contribute, maybe they will have to accept they can't have a room when they are home? You could then try and get a two bedroom house with space for put me up beds?

Have you talked it over with them? They may surprise you if you lay it on the line...?

Indie_Kid

I agree with bestpud. if you were my mum and asked me to pay rent, I would - it's only fair.

SuzySu

Thanks both....I really don't think they would mind paying rent for staying here during the Summer months, but I can't afford to pay the difference in rent for the other 9 on my own - that's what I meant about not asking them to pay for the other weeks they are here (not including the Summer). I'm sure they would contribute during the Summer.

bestpud

How far are you from your local college?

Is there any chance you could rent the room to students in your home town?

Colleges have schemes where they match students with a family - usually the younger ones.

[Deleted User]

if they are going in "halls"in their first year they will be paying around £90 a week for 40 weeks,i wouldnt see it as unfair if you asked them each to give you £30 a week each(or more)for the summer holidays at least thats 12 weeksx£60=£720 around £15 per week over 52 weeks towards your rent,perhaps even more if they manage to get a job in the summer