We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Housing benefit "eligible rent" Question

Hi everyone

I just have a quick question as I'm confused... I might have to make a claim for universal credit in January which will include the housing element as I live in a room in a shared house.. however it's been a long time since I claimed anything and I read somewhere earlier that, if your accommodation includes the bills within the rent amount (which mine does) there will be a deduction from the housing benefit for the bills.

So, in my area LHA is 255 per month. My rent including bills is 450 per month, I plan to make up the shortfall out of the rest of the UC and a small amount from a few hundred savings I have. Based on this calculation how much approximately might be deducted for bills??

I'm really confused..
Thanks
A.

Comments

  • marliepanda
    marliepanda Posts: 7,186 Forumite
    They will ask for a breakdown from your housing provider of what is rent and what is bills.

    They will only pay the rent portion, up to £255 maximum.
  • Does this apply if I rent from a private landlord? If so, does this mean they will contact my landlord?? :-/
  • marliepanda
    marliepanda Posts: 7,186 Forumite
    Anne1234 wrote: »
    Does this apply if I rent from a private landlord? If so, does this mean they will contact my landlord?? :-/

    Yes it applies to private lets

    If you cannot provide them with a statement that shows what is bills and what is rent then they may contact your landlord for a breakdown. Does your tenancy not specify which amount is which?
  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,104 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes it applies to private lets

    If you cannot provide them with a statement that shows what is bills and what is rent then they may contact your landlord for a breakdown. Does your tenancy not specify which amount is which?

    I don't believe this is correct. They cannot contact your landlord without your permission.

    If you do not have a breakdown of what your rent covers (check your tenancy agreement) then I believe they have a formula for working out how much to deduct.
  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,104 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In any case, the maximum amount they will pay is £255 per month so you are going to have to find the extra money.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.