Universal Credit Housing

[shoegirl36]

Please could someone help me.
I'm looking to move into a new property.
I'm registered disabled and received UC and Enhanced PIP for both areas.
I qualify for the three bedroom rate for certain but if I move into a 2 bedroom house will I only get the 2 bedroom rate. I've read online that the LHA isn't effected by how many rooms are in the house but an estate agent I spoke to said I will only get the 2 bed rate and not the 3 bed I qualify for.
I wondered if anyone has been in this situation and could guide me with the right information.

Thanks in advance

@Babyroobs I'm not trying to work out the entitlement for where I am now. We are all looking to move out of this home and part ways. I am talking about a future tenancy. To answer an earlier question I am not married.

You shouldn’t have any problem with the extra room for the overnight carer as long as this is medically evidenced and supported by PIP.

But for another extra room for your partner, it’s not enough to say you can’t share a bed. You would normally need to evidence why you can’t share a room with two single beds for example. That’s why I’m wondering what you’re approved for currently, but sounds like you haven’t had to cross that bridge yet.

Only if there was actually a room though it can't be hypothetical.

But in answer to your original question, whatever room rate you are approved for is the max rate you will get regardless of how many rooms you end up having.

@Ramdogs I do have pip documents and also hospital letters that say because of my condition I need ample space in a bed and a room so I'd be able to provide evidence that I couldn't share a room but as yet this has never been an issue with UC.

So the UC is currently a joint claim with your partner but you are splitting and want to find out what you will be eligible for in a new place ? just checking I am understanding correctly. So you will be moving to a single claim?

The third person is the bit that, since I gave my initial answer, has had me scratching my head a bit.

A couple, one on PIP or similar, who cannot practically share a room due to health etc qualify for a second room. Similarly, PIP and need for a resident carer can get you an extra room.

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

Where will your partner sleep if you're in a two bed?

I'm also not following the comment about OP and one third of the rent.

If @shoegirl36 you have partner then it should be, or rather must be, a joint claim to UC.

A non resident carer wouldn't be part of your benefit unit and wouldn't normally be paying rent - if they do they're not non resident.

It's very confusing. Op makes it sound like she is on a single UC claim but has a partner living with her ? And then there is a third person and the rent liability is split 3 ways but if she is with her partner they are liable for two thirds and the Uc claim should be joint. Sounds like a complex one ! Glad I'm not the only confused one !

@Babyroobs OP needs to give a clear account of household situation.

Drip feeding leads to incomplete understanding and incomplete or plain wrong advice.

Yes totally agree. And I doubt the EA who initially gave the advice could adequately comprehend if us benefits advisors can't !

Re reading I think current situation is that @shoegirl36 is in some sort of share and is looking ahead to what might be the case if she and her partner were to move into a place together.

In that scenario her disability prevents them sharing a room so the LHA rules allow a second for him.

There's then a Carer who is getting Carer's Allowance for the OP and who needs to stay overnight. They can also get a room under LHA. Three beds altogether.

OP then says that in a 2 bed she'd sleep on a pull out bed in a living room.

If I've got that right please could @shoegirl36 confirm.

Correct