PLEASE HELP - UC and housing benefits muddle

huckster

UC does not cover temporary Housing. That is the responsibility of Local Council Authorities and this was confirmed in legislation passed in about April 2018.

So UC should never have paid any Housing and the amount they have paid will be an overpayment debt.

pmlindyloo

Since both you and HB have been paying rent to the landlord then you must be in credit with your landlord.

I think you should ask your landlord for a rent statement.

Since HB will continue to pay your rent you will continue to be in credit until, presumably, you move out.

I am wondering whether your landlord would be willing to refund the credit which you could then keep aside and repay UC.

Certainly worth a telephone call.

calcotti

pmlindyloo said:

Since both you and HB have been paying rent to the landlord then you must be in credit with your landlord.

I think you should ask your landlord for a rent statement.

Since HB will continue to pay your rent you will continue to be in credit until, presumably, you move out.

I am wondering whether your landlord would be willing to refund the credit which you could then keep aside and repay UC.

Certainly worth a telephone call.

Given it's temporary accommodation arranged by local authority OP may have no direct relationship with landlord in which case they will need help from LA.