Universal credit application during tenancy review

sking007

I am considering leaving my job to become a full time carer for my son. A lot of pressure to go back in the office and during the pandemic he has had a diagnosis and attends a special school.

My tenancy ends (so due for renewal) during April and if I quit my job I will be applying just before it’s renewal.

Would that cause DWP a problem when applying? If I have to show avidence of tenancy (payments show through each month) will they pause the first payment until the new tenancy is in place?

obviously worried of leaving a job and not getting UC. 

poppy12345

To claim for help with the rent you will need proof of your eligibity to pay rent which would be a tenancy agreement, not proof of rent payment being made.

Do you claim DLA mid/high rate care for your son? Do you live with a partner? If you do then you will need to claim UC as a couple and both of your circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you'll be excluded from claiming.  Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=2d497d2f-c660-46ff-9813-7e23fcb47322

sking007

Yes he is on higher. Sorry my query is i have proof of tennancy, but if that tenancy agreement is due to expire during the month of my application will that mean DWP will not process the application until the new one is in force e.g. I would apply on the first of April and tennancy is due fir review mid April.

calcotti

You would provide details at the time of application. As soon as you have new details you would provide these. Your help with rent  for the whole UC assessment period will be based on your liability on the last day of the period.

if you are renting privately the housing element will be restricted to the lower of your actual rent liability or the applicable Local Housing Allowance for your post code. 
Search for Local Housing Allowance rates by postcode or local authority : DirectGov - LHA Rates (voa.gov.uk)

Even if there is an issue confirming the rent liability thus would not stop the whole claim - it would just mean that no housing element would be included.

sking007

thank you. I’ve no concerns about the tennancy not renewing it’s just when I get the docs. From the sounds of it there is a risk the housing element could be delayed so I just need to wait until I’ve got my new agreement .

poppy12345

It's also worth remembering that you should wait until after you received your last earnings before starting a claim. Earnings received during your assessment period will reduce your UC by 55% after the work allowance.

sking007

I get paid on the 26th so was thinking of doing it on the 1st. But depends when my pay period is I suppose. 

sking007

And just to be clear that’s any lay during the claim period, but take it if I applied in May it’s not looking at the tax year?

poppy12345

UC is not about annunal earnings, it's earnings received during your assessment period. https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/new-to-universal-credit/universal-credit-and-work/

sking007

Sorry final question. What happens if there’s any residual pay? Say a day or two. Does that knock down. By 55% too? Sorry for a lot of questions just not looking to do anything that harms my ability to look after my boy more.

calcotti

It's any money received within the UC assessment period. Doesn't matter when you did the work that earned it.