Universal Credit

[Universalcreditnewbie]

Hello

I'm posting this to get some advice on Universal Credit for somebody I know who finds himself on hard times without a fixed abode.

I'm wondering if I can help to get him into a private rented flat could he get his rent paid by Universal credit and a further amount to live on.

Sorry if I sound clueless but it's hard to find this out online as there are so many scales and levels I'm not sure what he'd be entitled to.

Thank you ⭐️

It depends on his circumstances - his age, any disabilities, children, etc.

For an adult over 25, the rate is £411.50 a month, and then there are additional elements for housing support, the amount is based on the local LHA level and he’ll either get that amount or his actual rent, whichever is lower.

You can find out what that is here: lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

Thank you, it's the housing benefit I'm interested in.

I'll check it out.

If you use the benefits calculator at Turn2Us you will get a pretty accurate assessment of what he will be entitled to if he claims UC. You could also contact the local authority housing office to get him on the housing register. His priority will depend on local availability and policies but it’s worth getting in the list and discussing local
Options for him

I paid my exh's first months rent and deposit ( to get him out of my home) he then got benefits to cover rent going forward

Thank you

You need to find out if the landlord will accept benefits first - very few private landlords do nowadays.

Each council will have a Local Housing Allowance which is a maximum amount people can claim towards housing. Often private rents are higher than LHA so he may not get his full rent covered, in that case he would have to pay the excess rent out of his other benefits.

He would be better trying to get a council or housing association property as rents are cheaper and they will definitely accept housing benefit plus he won't need such a large deposit.

@Waxonwaxoff0

The Housing Association sounds interesting, do you know how he could qualify for this kind of list?

I agree about the private LL although it is a guaranteed rent each month so you would hope there will be some LL that will be okay about it!

Thanks

Anyone can apply for council housing. They will review his claim and give him a priority banding. However he could be waiting years for a property. Most councils have a list of private LL who except tenants on benefits so it's best join the council.

[quote Universalcreditnewbie]@Waxonwaxoff0

The Housing Association sounds interesting, do you know how he could qualify for this kind of list?

I agree about the private LL although it is a guaranteed rent each month so you would hope there will be some LL that will be okay about it!

Thanks[/quote]
Contact the council's homelessness office.

Contact the council and tell them his situation. Or if there are any local homeless charities it's worth getting in touch with them, they can often help speed up the process of getting a council property.

Some councils will lend money for an initial deposit and then Uc can be claimed for ongoing rent. If your friend is under 35 then the local housing allowance will be shared rate unless they are claiming a disability benefit in which case it would be one bedroom allowance.