Universal Credit & Rent Issues

GaryY

Hello, I am currently being charged by my mum for rent even tho I am on universal credit and I don't know why as I am not a tenant and I am only 23, which I believe 25 is when you are charged rent but you also get more money. I could really do with some advice as I cannot afford to pay it every month.

Any help would be much appreciated!  

calcotti

Can you explain what you mean by your mum is charging your rent. Do you mean that your mum is on benefits claiming help with rent and her benefit is reduced because you are expected to contribute to the rent? If so, what benefits is she claiming? Do either of you receive a disability benefit?

if she is claiming UC then, unless either of you gets a disability benefit, her UC award would be reduced by £77.87/month because you are aged 21 or over and are expected to contribute towards the rent. 

If she is claiming HB then, because you are under 25 and on UC there should be no deduction.

nannytone_2

It's also a possibility that the OPs mum is charging them board.
OP, fo you also contribute towards household bills and food?

calcotti

nannytone_2 said:

It's also a possibility that the OPs mum is charging them board.

I assumed the question is actually about benefits issues as OP has referred to the age rules. Obviously the actual household contribution arrangements are between OP and her mum and those are completely a private matter over which there are no rules,

poppy12345

I read it as the OP couldn't afford to pay their mother the board each month. If this is correct then there's not alot you can do about that, other than to speak to your mother to ask if you can pay a little less each month.

GaryY

calcotti said:

Can you explain what you mean by your mum is charging your rent. Do you mean that your mum is on benefits claiming help with rent and her benefit is reduced because you are expected to contribute to the rent? If so, what benefits is she claiming? Do either of you receive a disability benefit?

if she is claiming UC then, unless either of you gets a disability benefit, her UC award would be reduced by £77.87/month because you are aged 21 or over and are expected to contribute towards the rent. 

If she is claiming HB then, because you are under 25 and on UC there should be no deduction.

She claims sick since she has fibromyalgia so I think she has disability benefits but even if that is the case how do I get support to pay the rent as I don't get enough to pay it and I pay roughly £50 towards bills already? 

poppy12345

You can't claim for help with the rent while living with her. What benefits does she claim exactly? If the money you pay her is for your board then it's only right that you have to pay a contribution towards your keep. If you can't afford it then speak to her to ask her to lower the amount. It's not really a benefits issue, it's more a personal one between you and her.

marcia_

GaryY said:

calcotti said:

Can you explain what you mean by your mum is charging your rent. Do you mean that your mum is on benefits claiming help with rent and her benefit is reduced because you are expected to contribute to the rent? If so, what benefits is she claiming? Do either of you receive a disability benefit?

if she is claiming UC then, unless either of you gets a disability benefit, her UC award would be reduced by £77.87/month because you are aged 21 or over and are expected to contribute towards the rent. 

If she is claiming HB then, because you are under 25 and on UC there should be no deduction.

She claims sick since she has fibromyalgia so I think she has disability benefits but even if that is the case how do I get support to pay the rent as I don't get enough to pay it and I pay roughly £50 towards bills already? 

 Does your mum provide your food?
 If so stop paying for that and buy your own? Will probably cost more than £50 

sheramber

You pay £50 per month towards bills- wha bills?

How much board is she charging you?

GaryY

I pay £50 a month and that's my contribution towards all bills. Also yes I pay for my own food, travel expenses etc. but she still wants me to pay the full amount of the rent aka £78 roughly, which I cannot do obviously. 

Bradden

Is there any way you could increase your income to help your mum? part time work etc?