Universal Credit woes

[Krest]

Hi guys

I really need some advice please.

I moved into a flat with my DD on 2nd Feb and on the same day, I promptly opened my claim with UC. I sent everything I was supposed to, including the tenancy agreement. In order to pay for the 1st rent and deposit I took an Advance from UC and also borrowed money from family.
I checked every day for an update on UC and didnt hear anything. Then around 26th Feb I received a message showing what my payments would be and saw i had been awarded £0 as the Housing Element had not been given. In a total panic, I contacted them and they said they needed a letter from my landlord with the same information that is in the signed tenancy agreement.
I don't know why they didnt ask me for this weeks ago when I was submitted my claim on 2nd Feb.

I contacted my estate agent and they confirmed all the details requested are in the tenancy agreement but going back and forth with UC is like pulling teeth, they are taking days to reply.

Anyway on 28th Feb my rent came out automatically and this is the day I got paid. This has left me with nothing. No money for food, can't pay bills including Council tax. Not able to advance any more money and borrowing again is no longer an option.

I have called UC and they agreed the delay was unacceptable as they should have asked me for the info weeks before they did and marked my account as urgent and will backdate. I resubmitted info again and that was on 5th March. I am still waiting for an answer if what I submitted is fine. I chase and they tell me they are waiting for the Job Centre to review housing costs and have chased them.

I am so stressed trying to get enough money to feed us, get to work etc.
I have tried to apply for a housing grant, no joy yet and have contacted all my suppliers to try and get a grace period.

I did also submit a complaint because they really left me in a pickle.

Has anyone had a similr experience?

I dont even know what is wrong with the tenancy agreement I have supplied since the 2nd. It has all signatures on there, and the estate agent said they deal with UC claims all the time and don't understand the issue or delay.

Yes..I didn't have to pay a deposit for my rental. They used that as proof of fraud. As no landlord would rent without a deposit unless the landlord is flexible with not being paid apparently 😅 so they stopped all payments and started fining me.

Went to a judge..they took one look and made them backpay everything and reinstate immediately.

But that was a very stressful and painful few months, I had to food bank and all sorts, I had just given birth and my baby was in NICU it was all such hell I thought i was going to have a breakdown 😂😂

Sorry to hear that @Wingingitnancy that does sound very stressful.

Its so frustrating, they have all the info since 2nd Feb they need. They asked for a letter from the landlord (who I have no direct dealing with) asking for the same information that is in the signed tenancy agreement! So If I am doing something wrong they havent explained! And now its with the Job Centre for review which is has been since 5th March! I have also contacted food banks, and its just been a nightmare. I had to cancel some hospital (not urgent) appointments as I couldnt afford the bus fare or parking fee (or petrol for that matter!)

First payment not correct.

Best advice is to speak to Help to Claim.

Thank you

Also contact your local council to find out if they have any crisis grants - household support fund or similar