Housing benefit

Bugs61

I'm a single male (60) just split from my partner I receive universal credit if I rent a room of someone (not a friend or relative) can I claim housing benefit this person doesn't claim no benefits works full time

calcotti

You cannot claim Housing Benefit. Help with rent is provided through Universal Credit. You would simply report the change if circumstances in your UC journal, provide evidence of your rent liability and the housing element will be added to your UC payments. The amount of help you can get is limited to the one bedroom Local Housing Allowance applicable for your post code. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx

Bugs61

My universal credit wouldn't cover my rent u/c is £401 a month rent is £425 a month without bills? 

poppy12345

Your UC will include the housing element which will be 1 bedroom rate of local housing allowance. You will need proof of your rent to be able to claim this. The standard allowance for a single person over 25 is £409.89 per month plus your housing element. If the housing element you're entitled to doesn't cover the whole of your rent then you'll need to make up the difference yourself.

calcotti

Bugs61 said:

My universal credit wouldn't cover my rent u/c is £401 a month rent is £425 a month without bills? 

If you are not currently renting then your UC doesn't include a housing element. If you start renting you will then get the housing element added which will increase the UC you receive.

Bugs61

Thanks for advice I'm still baffled (all new to me never claimed before) so will I get help paying my rent yes or no

calcotti

Bugs61 said:

Thanks for advice I'm still baffled (all new to me never claimed before) so will I get help paying my rent yes or no

I don't know how to explain it more clearly than both poppy and I already have. The one word answer is yes.

poppy12345

Bugs61 said:

Thanks for advice I'm still baffled (all new to me never claimed before) so will I get help paying my rent yes or no

Yes BUT you will need proof of your eligibity to pay rent.... a tenancy agreement or lodgers agreement.

Bugs61

Thank yo for the help now I understand