Change of address Universal Credit

Johnm2019

Hello,

I asked a question last week regarding moving property during an assessment period, got some great answers which confirmed that the address on the last day of the assessment period would be the property that would be paid for. Our LHA is £795 a month, we pay £750 a month here but are moving to a property which is £850 a month. Our assessment period is the 27th-26th, we get paid on the 3rd of each month Universal Credit. Our tenancy ends in this property the 6th February, and our tenancy starts in our new home on the 21st January. We are fully paid up in this property with our last payment we made,  I am happy to update the change of circumstances on my Journal on the 21st January, but I am worried how long it will take for my proof of tenancy to be accepted. If I change my circumstances on the 21st is there a chance we won't be given ANY housing benefit element of universal credit payment come the 3rd of February? (As the last day of assessment period is the 26th Jan) I don't want by changing the circumstances for it to then pend awaiting confirmation of documents and our Universal Credit have no mention of an valid property that requires rental payment.

poppy12345

I don't think anyone can predict when they'll action the change of circumstances. If it was just a day or two before the end of your AP then there maybe less chance of the changes not being done. Just make sure you have proof of eligiblity to pay rent at your new home when you report the changes.

It's also worth remembering that rent paid as part of UC is known as housing element, not housing benefit.

tomtom256

Depends on how quickly you provide the evidence. It can only be verified once you have uploaded whatever they request.
Its a five minute job if the evidence is there.

Johnm2019

Thank you for your answers, do you think it's best I report the change of circumstances on say the 6th February saying the change occured on the 21st January, so then they have time to confirm the details before my March 3rd payment. I don't want to report the changes on the 21st January if my 3rd February UC payment is going to miss out the housing element part of our claim and potentiall be down £750 that month

poppy12345

It's entirely up to you when you report it but changes will only take affect from the assessment period in which they were reported, as advised on your other thread here. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6415742/moving-home-whilst-on-universal-credit#latest

calcotti

If you delay reporting you run the risk of being told you reported late and will miss out on the extra money in the January assessment period.