Universal Credit Housing Element

[Pinaco]

Details changed as outing

So I went to uni, and was a victim of violent crime. My attacker got a short prison sentence but will be returning to the city where my uni is, and my particular degree doesn't allow you to transfer uni (I checked). So I have dropped out, as I categorically wasn't safe there. Family are disappointed that I couldn't crack on regardless and have disowned me, so I am sofa surfing.

My plan is to do an apprenticeship in Accounting. I will need to find somewhere to live. I wanted to ask, how does the Housing element of Universal credit work? As I would only be on 14-18k to begin with I probably wouldn't be able to afford somewhere to live any other way.

Go onto entitled to. You can do a calculation

I'm sorry this happened to you

Something similar happened to my DD and if you're interested in the advice I got about finances the thread is here

I hope you find a way to make it possible.

Speak to Help to Claim on 0800 144 8 444.

You say you dropped out. I assume Uni accept that and you're no longer enrolled.

If you are single and under 35 the amount UC will pay is limited to what they'd expect you to pay for a room in a shared house:

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

UC is very low for single people but generous to those with DC especially if any of them are disabled. Find out how much a house share room will cost. You'll might get paid something towards it but depending on level of your earnings but might not get it all paid.

It’s likely you wouldn’t get enough to pay your rent OP, and I’m not sure if it’s different with it being an apprenticeship but if you don’t earn over a certain amount you have to attend work search appointments. Do some research on the gov website and some calculations on entitledto. You may just have to get a second job evenings and weekends to support you

Universal Credit starts by working out what you need to live on. That will be a Standard Allowance for living costs of £400.14/month (but less if you're under 25) and a Housing Costs Element based on LHA rates as linked above.

That amount is reduced by 55p for every £1 of earnings to give UC payable per month.

If you earn less the £892/month you will be expected to look for more or better paid work.