Anyone moved to a flat then claimed universal credit?

[Pumpkinx3x]

Hi

I have to move out. I live with my baby and partner in my mums house. After a build up of arguments I’ve been kicked out. I’m on mat leave and my partner has just set up a company as an installer and invested a lot of money into it so can’t back out now.

Council don’t have anything for us at all. We have help from family to pay deposit and month upfront. Has anyone done this and got accepted?

Yes you can do this but be aware that some landlords can't/won't accept tenants who claim help with the rent.
Providing your landlord does then they will assess your claim and circumstances and then award the amount you are entitled to.
If you go onto the entitledto website and put your details in and a rough figure of the rent prices local to you then you can get an idea of what help you're entitled to.

You will struggle to find a landlord without proof of income

I've done this, but years ago when it was housings benefit and there were less credit checks for getting a flat. It use to be relatively common amongst young people in low paid jobs.

I don't know much about uc, but surely they must allow it, as you are homeless. You might need to get it in writing that you are no longer welcome at your mums, but then they can't just leave you and baby on the street with no money. However, you might struggle to find a landlord who will let to you, some will but many don't, so you will need to be upfront with the letting agent and see if they know which landlords will accept you. If that fails go back to the council, if you have no were to go they have a duty to house you, even if it is only a temporary b&b or something.

As PP Said, you will struggle without showing a landlord or agency proof of income... Landlords don't really like to rent to people who don't have an income even if you're going to be supplemented by Housing benefits.. Rental agents tend to turn their noses up at people who have UC's! your other bet is to have a guarantor, someone who works preferably - at least they have the assurance to rent to you then.

There's no problem claiming the housing element of UC once you have a tenancy. You don't need to prove homelessness in order to claim. You can check the relevant rates on a benefit checker or your local authority website.

As above, your problem will be finding a landlord that accepts benefit claimants. Most will require evidence of income before offering a tenancy.

It won't be easy without proof of a certain level of income/guarantors. The council can't just tell you they have nothing if you are homeless. They'll need to find you some temp accommodation/b&b etc. Not ideal. Alternatively try private letters on gumtree etc. Landlords aren't allowed to refuse on the grounds of benefits anymore but they also don't have to give you a reason or can make one up

We have already found a flat that is accepting the circumstances. We have a successful guarantor, the universal credit rent award is like £100 under the rent agreement and I have deposit and first month upfront.

I’m just scared signing for a year if universal credit decide against me as I’ve effectively ’moved out’. I will be going back to work soon so by 6 months hoping we can take over the rent ourselves but don’t have the time to wait right now

How can you claim UC if your live-in partner is working?

@1stDecember he only works part time contract that is £500. They won’t give anymore hours so he set up his own business but not turning profit yet x

The guarantor will be your best bet I think. I work full time, but claim UC as a top up as I am a single parent, and I still needed a guarantor for my rental property, despite having a good credit history.

If you've found someone willing and you can afford the shortfall then that's your issue solved surely. If your mum will state that she's no longer permitting you to live there they won't refuse your rent element.

It doesn't matter why you have moved out. Universal credit is based on your income and family circumstances at the time. Just make sure you claim on the day you move in as it can be hard for universal credit etc to be backdated. You can also make a claim for council tax support. You may get help depending on your partners income.

Ok thank you guys! I’m gonna go for it!

Income of parents doesn’t work as I am 24. I did used to have a flat but Covid making my partner redundant we were able to stay temporary with my mum. But three adults, a 15 year old and a six month baby it isn’t working.

Thank you for your help xx