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AIBU?

Won't accept me because I get universal credit

125 replies

keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 19:57

I'm really shocked. I bring home 1500 a month, but am a lone parent who has left an abusive relationship. I get no maintenance for my son and due to this my outgoings are massive. 700 a month for the child minder full time. I'm trying to find a place to rent, found somewhere perfect for me and my one year old, but they won't accept me because I am on receipt of universal credit. Is this right? I didn't know this was a thing.

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MirriMazDuur · 27/12/2019 20:01

I'm confused. Where do you live now? Do you have only one child?

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:02

Yes I have just got one child. He's 1. I live with my parents at the moment.

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MirriMazDuur · 27/12/2019 20:03

So what are you getting universal credit for if you earn that much?

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:03

I get a small contribution towards childcare costs.

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Tombliwho · 27/12/2019 20:04

Is it actually because of the UC or simply affordability if your outgoings are huge?

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MirriMazDuur · 27/12/2019 20:04

How did the landlord know that?

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steakandmantoo · 27/12/2019 20:04

@MirriMazDuur I think that's how much she brings home on UC.

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IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 27/12/2019 20:05

It’s not unknown that many LLs don’t take benefit claimants, lots of mortgages and insurance companies don’t let them.

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MirriMazDuur · 27/12/2019 20:05

Lol, no.

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HanginWithMyGnomies · 27/12/2019 20:05

Do you receive the housing benefit element of universal credit @keysonthehighshelf?

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:08

They don't know anything about my outgoings. That's how much I earn before universal credit. They asked if I was in receipt of universal credit and I said yes. That's how I know. I don't receive a huge amount of universal credit but it helps.

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HarrietThePi · 27/12/2019 20:08

About 10 years ago when I was looking to rent I remember quite a few places stated they didn't accept tenants who recieve housing benefit. I think UC has replaced housing benefit (?) so it would be the same kind of thing I assume. I don't really understand the reasoning behind it though.

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fluffygal · 27/12/2019 20:08

Well before UC a lot of landlords wouldn't accept housing benefit due to mortgage conditions and insurance but tax credits would be fine. I guess now it's all in one under UC that makes things a bit more confusing, although if it breaks it down and shows it is only for childcare then surely that should be acceptable.

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HanginWithMyGnomies · 27/12/2019 20:08

@keysonthehighshelf sorry, just saw that you only get the child care contribution element. So essentially, you are getting your tax credits through Universal credit?

Go back to them. I suspect they think you are claiming universal credit with the housing benefit element. Explain to them that your wages actually pay your rent and the universal credit is for childcare top up.

A lot of landlords don’t accept housing benefit claimants. With the switch over to UC, there has been some confusion with what is and isn’t encompassed.

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ChocolateCoins19 · 27/12/2019 20:08

We had the same. In the end before viewing we asked agents to speak to LL. We were lucky the 2nd one accepted. We don't get much UC but it did have an affect

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:08

No, only for childcare costs. I told them this but they said they accept nobody on universal credit and just told me they let the place to someone else because of this.

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Ambrose2 · 27/12/2019 20:09

If you only get the childcare element I wouldn't tell them about it. On the old system you would have been asked if you received housing benefit but nobody gave a shit about tax credits or childcare so I would only tell them if you are getting UC for housing costs (the housing element) or for living costs

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HideYourBabiesAndYourBeadwork · 27/12/2019 20:09

This is so, so common. Keep trying other landlords OP you’ll get there in the end but many won’t accept anyone on housing benefit/universal credit including those who work. A lot of the time it’s because of a clause in their mortgage contract. It sucks and it’s not fair. Good luck though like I said you will find somewhere in the end.

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:11

That seems really unfair. I work really hard. If I don't get the universal credit I won't be able to afford to rent with childcare costs of £700. I wish I had known about this. I've never claimed UC before so didn't know this was an issue.

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gamerwidow · 27/12/2019 20:12

It’s a absolutely disgrace that so many landlords refuse to rent to those on benefits.
It’s nothing to do with affordability people on benefits are often already paying rents of more or similar amounts when they look for a new rental it’s pure discrimination.
What are you supposed to do when you can’t get into social housing but noone will rent to you either except for shit holes where they can’t get anyone else to live there.

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:14

It just feels so degrading after the absolute shit I have done to protect my son and get out of our awful situation this past year. I feel utterly worthless. If only I had more money.

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MomOfABeast · 27/12/2019 20:15

I even met one landlord who said they wouldn't accept single parents at all. When I questioned her she said she'd had "a bad experience". I was horrified.

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paranoidmum2 · 27/12/2019 20:23

Why do they even know you get UC? Surely you would just show your wage slip?

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:23

Gosh, awful.

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keysonthehighshelf · 27/12/2019 20:24

They asked me directly.

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