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!

Housing With universial credit?

If you are over 35 what is the maximum universial credit will pay for a studio flat or a 1 bedroom flat if rented privately?
Also where is the best place to start looking for a place to rent...

Thank you for all help.
«1

Comments

  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 9,412 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Your housing costs will be calculated using the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for your area. You can look up the rate for a one bedroom flat in your area using this link https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

    I would start looking on https://www.rightmove.co.uk.
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • WhenIam64
    WhenIam64 Posts: 1,052 Forumite
    Some areas also have a discretionary fund to help with a loan for the deposit. Also don't forget Council Tax in your calculations.
    Unlike some here, I am not omniscient. If I am wrong correct me. I won't take offence.

    The law is like an ocean - have a swim but don't drown.
  • huckster
    huckster Posts: 5,408 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Suggest that you use a benefits calculator ( Entitledto, Turn2Us ) to get an idea about benefits.

    You should not look at housing in isolation. It is only one aspect of a UC claim. If you are working and your earnings are at a certain level, you might not receive any UC payment and have to pay rent from your earnings.
    The comments I post are personal opinion. Always refer to official information sources before relying on internet forums. If you have a problem with any organisation, enter into their official complaints process at the earliest opportunity, as sometimes complaints have to be started within a certain time frame.
  • FireMS
    FireMS Posts: 64 Forumite
    tacpot12 wrote: »
    Your housing costs will be calculated using the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for your area. You can look up the rate for a one bedroom flat in your area using this link https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

    I would start looking on https://www.rightmove.co.uk.

    It shows the amount for a 1 bedroom but wont for a studio flat, will it the be the same amount or lower they will pay for a studio?
    Also i’ve sent a email to a couple on rightmove but they wont even reply back when i mention benefits...?
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    FireMS wrote: »
    It shows the amount for a 1 bedroom but wont for a studio flat, will it the be the same amount or lower they will pay for a studio?
    Also i’ve sent a email to a couple on rightmove but they wont even reply back when i mention benefits...?
    Did you put all your details into a benefits calculator like advised?

    https://www.entitledto.co.uk/


    It's extremely difficult to find a landlord that will rent to those claiming benefits. If you are lucky enough to find one then it's highly possible that they will require a guarantor.
  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 9,412 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    FireMS wrote: »
    It shows the amount for a 1 bedroom but wont for a studio flat, will it the be the same amount or lower they will pay for a studio?

    UC will only pay your actual rent (and certain service charges) upto the LHA cap, so if you are hunting for a flat there is no particular need to look for a studio flat if there are 1 bed flats available fo runder the LHA limit.
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you're under 35 and claiming as a single person, you can usually only get the shared accommodation rate even if you don't share your home with others, unless you claim PIP/DLA.
  • FireMS
    FireMS Posts: 64 Forumite
    tacpot12 wrote: »
    Your housing costs will be calculated using the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for your area. You can look up the rate for a one bedroom flat in your area using this link https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

    I would start looking on https://www.rightmove.co.uk.
    poppy12345 wrote: »
    If you're under 35 and claiming as a single person, you can usually only get the shared accommodation rate even if you don't share your home with others, unless you claim PIP/DLA.



    Im over 35 so that wont be a problem i think?
  • FireMS
    FireMS Posts: 64 Forumite
    tacpot12 wrote: »
    UC will only pay your actual rent (and certain service charges) upto the LHA cap, so if you are hunting for a flat there is no particular need to look for a studio flat if there are 1 bed flats available fo runder the LHA limit.

    LHA limit is about £265 a week for a 1 bedroom and the ones in the area i want are about £280, Thats fine but none of accept someone on benefits. :(
  • FireMS
    FireMS Posts: 64 Forumite
    How would one apply for council/social housing?
    Whats the process?
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
  • 352.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.5K Life & Family
  • 259.1K 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.