Migration from ESA and housing benefit to UC

Newcad

The point is that a "Recent" TA is only the first of a longer list of acceptable proofs that a UC claimant is liable to pay rent, and so is eligible for UC Housing Element.

However because 'a recent TA' is what the UC computer asks for first many (poorly trained) UC staff appear to believe it is the only thing that is acceptable.

(And of course many claimants don't know that what they are being told about needing a "New TA" is wrong).

It isn't going to change until the training changes or the computer makes it clearer that a "recent" TA is just the preferred option and not the only option.

TimeLord1

Nickya123 said:

I had to ask my landlady for a new tenancy after 14 years and I basically lost all dignity begging for the rent to still keep at £1000 and not be raised, they agreed to another 6 months at that rent. Now I’m off my rolling tenancy and on a 6 month one so in a worse position I was in for not reason. 

I really don’t know why universal credit is doing this, I’ve got bills not paid and phone calls constantly saying direct debits arnt going out. Luckily my bank is understanding and are giving me 3 months interest free on my overdraft and credit card.
They have said they will get to back to me the 28th? How nice, I have 3 more
days of no sleep panicking. 

It’s just a whole mess. 

How are you getting on with this situation any update? 

itsthelittlethings

huckster said:

Unfortunately some landlords issue very poor quality rent increase letters without all of the information required by UC and when UC looks to verify on these new UC claims, they are suspicious about the letters.  

One of the biggest concerns at the moment, is the amount of benefits paid where the claims are fraudulent. This runs into many billions.

I would expect a landlord to have kept copies of tenancy agreements and be able to supply these when required.

I doubt very much that it’s billions. The benefits bill isn’t that big!

kaMelo

itsthelittlethings said:

huckster said:

Unfortunately some landlords issue very poor quality rent increase letters without all of the information required by UC and when UC looks to verify on these new UC claims, they are suspicious about the letters.  

One of the biggest concerns at the moment, is the amount of benefits paid where the claims are fraudulent. This runs into many billions.

I would expect a landlord to have kept copies of tenancy agreements and be able to supply these when required.

I doubt very much that it’s billions. The benefits bill isn’t that big!

I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say it 'isn't that big.'
Welfare, or Social Protection as it's called, is the single largest expenditure of Government at  just over £360 Billion in 2023-24
Welfare fraud and errors are currently estimated to cost around £10 Billion per year

Both figures are pretty big in my eyes.