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UC housing element once DD at Uni?

4 replies

Jessie06 · 17/10/2025 17:56

I'm wondering if anyone knows what change I need to make with universal credit, for the housing element side of it.

My DD will be living at Uni Term time and living with me out of term time.

I'm a single parent privately renting so get a housing element to that.
Now normally when they are adults they are put as an adult living with you but they are not expected to contribute to the rent until they are 21.

So I called UC to get advice because she will only be living with me some of the time and they said I should make the change as adult living with me but there would be an option to put some of the time, however when I've gone to make this change there is no such option.
It's just living with you.

So essentially if I put her as living with me it would be incorrect although she doesn't need to contribute yet anyway, but if I take her off the claim completely I will lose the local housing allowance for a 2 bed property, but I have to keep a 2 bed for her to live out of term time?

I don't want to get it wrong as I've already been stung even though they do not make it clear what needs to be done sometimes

So I'm just not sure now, I'll be honest, calling UC is a waste of time, they've not been able to help with previous issues and given me wrong advice this time, and writing on my journal gives me back vague replies also.

OP posts:
Lovingbooks · 17/10/2025 19:56

How old is your DD is she 21 now? Sorry it sounds like she is under 21 so they shouldn’t take the deduction as per shelter. england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/universal_credit_housing_cost_contributions

Jessie06 · 17/10/2025 20:07

She's 19 now, I'm thinking the only option is to put her as an adult living with me, even if it's only part of the year..

OP posts:
Lovingbooks · 17/10/2025 21:03

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/benefits/universal_credit/deductions_from_universal_credit_for_non-dependants#reference-28

yes I read it that students are still classed as living in your property even if away at uni but no deductions. If there is anywhere on your journal to make note this is a full time student age etc then do so.

Jessie06 · 17/10/2025 22:12

Thanks for the links @Lovingbooks really helpful.
Shame UC are not as helpful!

OP posts:
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