Please help me clarify what I'm entitled to

Simon1867

Hi all,

Hope everyone's well.

I was wondering if someone could please help me with some clarification as to what universal credit I'll be eligible for.

Basically, a contract I'm working on is coming to an end, so I'll be unemployed shortly.

I rent from a landlord who lives here a few months of the year. On my tenancy agreement, it states that I'm a lodger, with use of shared facilities etc. 

I'm over 35.

I understand that I'll receive the £400.00 or so living costs, however I'm really confused as to what I'll receive for the rent help.

Some sources state I'll receive £590.00 for the rent, and others suggest the cap is £455 or so based on where I live (in Wimbledon). 

Can someone please let me know what's likely, as I'm really struggling?

Many thanks,

Simon

KxMx

You'll receive the one bedroom rate, which is capped for your local area. 

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Simon1867

Thanks for your reply.

As I'm a lodger - I think I'm right in saying I'd receive only the shared accommodation rate, which appears to be £589.00, rather than the full one bedroom allowance?

Thanks again

Flugelhorn

I am not sure that you are a lodger - thought you had to share the premises with the landlord for rather more than a few months each year

Simon1867

Flugelhorn said:

I am not sure that you are a lodger - thought you had to share the premises with the landlord for rather more than a few months each year

The trouble is - the tenancy states that I'm a lodger, with shared use of facilities etc, so it doesn't actually specify that the landlord's only here a few times per year. I could ask him to amend it, but he's quite rigid at times.

Based on worst case scenario, and I'm treated by UC as a conventional lodger, will I receive the shared accommodation of £590 as far as you're aware? Based on the shared accommodation rates for Wimbledon.

I just can't work out if I'm right, because as I say, I saw a figure of £455 mentioned somewhere which will be a huge issue for me as I simply can't afford the shortfall. 

KxMx

With Universal Credit & Housing Element linked to LHA, it's about how many bedrooms you are entitled to. Even living in shared accommodation you are entitled to the one bedroom rate.


https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Shared-Room

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/universal-credit-uc-housing-costs-element/universal-credit-uc-how-much-will-i-get-i-m-a-private-tenant

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/local_housing_allowance_lha_for_private_renters

Have you tried a benefits calculator?

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

pmlindyloo

Just a heads up...

Does your rent include bills and council tax ?

I believe that the housing element of UC does not cover these and you will probably be asked for a breakdown of what your rent covers at your first interview.

Hopefully someone else can confirm this.

Simon1867

KxMx said:

With Universal Credit & Housing Element linked to LHA, it's about how many bedrooms you are entitled to. Even living in shared accommodation you are entitled to the one bedroom rate.

Ah OK - thank you so much!

So based on that - even though I'm living with my landlord as a lodger, it would appear I do indeed get the full, one bedroom allowance. I had been led to believe that if you were a lodger, living with the landlord, you'd receive a capped amount much lower.

I was under the impression that the amount would be capped at £590 based on the fact I'm classed as being in shared accommodation, although I think I must have misunderstood. 

I really appreciate your help - it's massively put my mind at rest. 

Simon1867

pmlindyloo said:

Just a heads up...

Does your rent include bills and council tax ?

I believe that the housing element of UC does not cover these and you will probably be asked for a breakdown of what your rent covers at your first interview.

Hopefully someone else can confirm th

Hi Lindy - my rent includes the bills, so all good on that front.

pmlindyloo

Simon1867 said:

pmlindyloo said:

Just a heads up...

Does your rent include bills and council tax ?

I believe that the housing element of UC does not cover these and you will probably be asked for a breakdown of what your rent covers at your first interview.

Hopefully someone else can confirm th

Hi Lindy - my rent includes the bills, so all good on that front.

Sorry, I think you have misunderstood me.
They will make deductions from your rent if it includes bills and council tax and assess your housing element on the rent part only.

Simon1867

pmlindyloo said:

Simon1867 said:

pmlindyloo said:

Just a heads up...

Does your rent include bills and council tax ?

I believe that the housing element of UC does not cover these and you will probably be asked for a breakdown of what your rent covers at your first interview.

Hopefully someone else can confirm th

Hi Lindy - my rent includes the bills, so all good on that front.

Sorry, I think you have misunderstood me.
They will make deductions from your rent if it includes bills and council tax and assess your housing element on the rent part only.

Ah OK understood.

So you're saying that say my rent includes £100.00 of bills, I'll receive £100.00 less UC for rent?

I remember years ago I briefly claimed when I was renting at a place where all bills were included, but I received the full rent, irrespective. Not sure if things have changed?