Universal credit and right to buy application

Reece_

We have been interested in applying for the RTB and currently have a UC claim whilst my wife is on maternity. Our council have said we should inform DWP if we apply for RTB but am struggling to find any information as to whether it would have any effect on our claim during the application process? I obviously understand that if we accepted the offer we’d no longer be tenants and the housing benefit part of UC would be affected but is there any affect prior to this? 

Frankly we expect to be priced out of the property but really don’t know until it’s valued, so I’m not keen on carrying on if it’s going to cause issues even though our UC claim is very short term as well. 

HillStreetBlues

You do not have to inform UC if you apply for RTB, as you circumstances haven't changed, you're still renting. UC is only concerned is what has happened, not what might.
If you do buy then the DWP might to look how you funded the purchase to check you have been complying with the capital rules. 

sammyjammy

HillStreetBlues said:

You do not have to inform UC if you apply for RTB, as you circumstances haven't changed, you're still renting. UC is only concerned is what has happened, not what might.
If you do buy then the DWP might to look how you funded the purchase to check you have been complying with the capital rules. 

With RTB the discount usually counts as the deposit.

Reece_

HillStreetBlues said:

You do not have to inform UC if you apply for RTB, as you circumstances haven't changed, you're still renting. UC is only concerned is what has happened, not what might.
If you do buy then the DWP might to look how you funded the purchase to check you have been complying with the capital rules. 

Thanks, this was my understanding but the letter from the council specifically asks if you’re receiving UC and has a box to tick to say that you understand you need to inform them you’ve applied for RTB, this is at point of application before a valuation/offer has come through. 

We’re not over any capital rules with UC, would be looking at seeing if discount could be used in terms of deposit, but as I say, it’s very likely we’d be priced out anyway as house prices in the area are crazily high even after potential discounts. 

Caz3121

Reece_ said:

 it’s very likely we’d be priced out anyway as house prices in the area are crazily high even after potential discounts. 

with the changes to the maximum discounts yesterday you may find the discount is much lower than previously (depending on your circumstances)
https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home/discounts

Reece_

Caz3121 said:

Reece_ said:

 it’s very likely we’d be priced out anyway as house prices in the area are crazily high even after potential discounts. 

with the changes to the maximum discounts yesterday you may find the discount is much lower than previously (depending on your circumstances)
https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home/discounts

Yes we actually put in the initial application prior to the change so would be at the previous discount amount, we’ve had a response asking for ID etc and mentioning what I’ve said about UC claims on there which we have to respond to within the next week to carry on the application and get a valuation.