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Original poster

Universal credit help

29 replies

ggggrace · 20/06/2022 19:05

I have 0 outgoings except house and child outgoings.

I get housing benefit but looking to move to a private landlord now. The rent will be 800 and I'm wondering (they can cover 500 for me) will they be ok with covering 500 and not the fill amount like will they be ok with me taking a higher price rental?

My income is £1115.

800 rent and 300 for bills and food. I am happy with this amount but I'm not sure if they will be ok with that? Surely in my decision? Any advice appreciated thank you

OP posts:
IfIhearmumagaintoday · 23/06/2022 17:08

Appleseesaw · 20/06/2022 20:36

Actually I think you’ve been rather rude and patronising to me.

Show quote history

How have you jumped to that conclusion? You commented on my post first! @liveforsummer yes I meant that short fall of rent.

My poor wording. I thought OP didn't know so wanted advice.

iwantgojettersnow · 23/06/2022 18:00

ggggrace · 20/06/2022 19:05

I have 0 outgoings except house and child outgoings.

I get housing benefit but looking to move to a private landlord now. The rent will be 800 and I'm wondering (they can cover 500 for me) will they be ok with covering 500 and not the fill amount like will they be ok with me taking a higher price rental?

My income is £1115.

800 rent and 300 for bills and food. I am happy with this amount but I'm not sure if they will be ok with that? Surely in my decision? Any advice appreciated thank you

When you say looking to move to a private landlord do you mean you currently rent from the council or a housing association? If so, don't give that up!

AnotherEmma · 23/06/2022 19:35

There's not enough information to give proper advice. Your best bet would be to contact Citizens Advice who will explore your situation in more detail.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

Some general points to consider:

  • If you are currently in social housing (council/HA) you should think very carefully before moving into private housing, which is more expensive and less secure. If you need/want to move eg to relocate or for another reason, look into a tenancy exchange: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/council_housing_association/tenancy_exchanges
  • If you are moving within your local authority area, you can continue to claim Housing Benefit and don't have to switch to Universal Credit. However, depending on your circumstances, you might find that you're better off on UC. Contact Citizens Advice (first link I shared) and ask them to do a calculation.
  • You might struggle to find a private landlord who will rent to someone on benefits and/or a low income. They will run affordability and credit checks. For advice about this see england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/how_to_find_landlords_who_accept_benefits
  • Have you factored in the rise in living costs? Are you aware that energy costs are set to rise (again) in October? How many children do you have? £300/month on "food and bills" seems low.
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