How does housing benefit work

[Lanzy]

Hi

i’m moving out and it’s a big step for me as currently live with parents and I have Autism but now I have own baby. I currently get universal credit even prior to baby and just wondered with social housing if I apply for housing benefit will it cover all rent or just some? And how do I apply is it easy to apply for?
is there any restrictions on when couldn’t apply

rent is £480

It would be part of your UC claim if you are entitled to help with rent.

It depends what your Local Housing Allowance is for a one bed.

Unless you live in supported housing, you claim the housing element of Universal Credit.
You will be limited to the Local Housing allowance for your area, which should be 2 bed rate if you have a baby.
You will need to report the change on your UC account. Upload a copy of your tenancy agreement. The rent is paid in arrears so may not kick in straight away.

Hi OP, you will get the housing element of universal credit instead of a separate housing benefit and can apply through your universal credit account.

If you are in social housing (I.e. council or housing association) it will cover the rent unless you have more bedrooms than you need in which case they'll apply the 'bedroom tax'.

If you are in private rented you'll get paid the Local Housing Allowance for your area, which depending where you live often doesn't cover the full rate.

Is it a council property or housing association?

Housing association :)

How much does depend on where you live £480 a month or a week? I'm guessing a month. Send a message via your uc journal to explain you are moving into your own home and need to add housing to your claim, they can help ensure it's smooth. The housing association may have someone who can help you too.

Ok so they should pay your full rent element unless you ahve spare bedrooms. When you move in just report a change on the home page of your journal to say that you now have rent to pay. Sometimes they won't need a tenancy agreement as they can liase directly with the Housing association to verify rent.