Universal Credit/Benefits system

[The Octagon]

Not sure the best place for this question but I'm currently applying for UC as I'm only working 14 hours a week and that will end in July.

My current living situation is that I rent a room from a family that also reside in the house (2 adults and their 2 kids, aged 17 and 19), would this be counted as private landlord in the application process?

Screenshot for clarity if needed:

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Not sure the best place for this question but I'm currently applying for UC as I'm only working 14 hours a week and that will end in July.

My current living situation is that I rent a room from a family that also reside in the house (2 adults and their 2 kids, aged 17 and 19), would this be counted as private landlord in the application process?

Screenshot for clarity if needed:

View attachment 215951

Yes, private landlord. Hope your claim is processed as quickly as it can be!

 

[Badgers]

I have a call with the UCC (Universal Credit Cunts) on Friday morning. The last advice was to look for work but no need to log it

Will see what they say

 

[Badgers]

Not sure the best place for this question but I'm currently applying for UC as I'm only working 14 hours a week and that will end in July.

My current living situation is that I rent a room from a family that also reside in the house (2 adults and their 2 kids, aged 17 and 19), would this be counted as private landlord in the application process?

Screenshot for clarity if needed:

View attachment 215951

I said private landlord but explained to the UCC on the phone that this was a lodging rather than a private let.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

I said private landlord but explained to the UCC on the phone that this was a lodging rather than a private let.

Yeah, they'll be OK with that. Whether the landlord lives there or not, you'll be paid the Shared Accommodation rate towards your Housing Element as either way you're renting a room and sharing a bathroom and kitchen with other people.

 

[Badgers]

Yeah, they'll be OK with that. Whether the landlord lives there or not, you'll be paid the Shared Accommodation rate towards your Housing Element as either way you're renting a room and sharing a bathroom and kitchen with other people.

Yeah. It is informal which is an arse but can fix that and backdate if they need it. My name is not on any bills.

 

[LeytonCatLady]

Yeah. It is informal which is an arse but can fix that and backdate if they need it. My name is not on any bills.

I would also log your job search anyway, just to cover yourself. Officially at the moment they're not supposed to be sanctioning anyone, and it's unlikely they'd have time to check anyway. But even if it's just "Handed in spec CV at x supermarket, or y pharmacy" it gives you peace of mind.

 

[Badgers]

I would also log your job search anyway, just to cover yourself. Officially at the moment they're not supposed to be sanctioning anyone, and it's unlikely they'd have time to check anyway. But even if it's just "Handed in spec CV at x supermarket, or y pharmacy" it gives you peace of mind.

I will do from now on if they require.

To be fair I have applied for a lot of jobs. Not been especially tenacious about it but had barely an acknowledgement, let alone an offer.

As a middle aged, poorly educated bloke who has been working in events for 15+ years I am not a ideal fit despite transferable skills and such

 

[Badgers]

Just spoke to the UC lass on the phone for 12 mins.

The call was really just asking if I need any help or support from them.
She said there was no need to be logging my job applications and there would be no issues with the claim.
Also was not surprised that I had little to no response from applications as there are virtually no jobs and many many applicants.

Said she had no need to follow up for at least a few months but I should contact her if I need anything.

Was a surprisingly pleasant call.

 

[chainsawjob]

Only just spotted this thread!

We just got our first UC payment through, took 4 weeks. Currently trying to negotiate a reduced rent with our landlord, as the Housing Benefit component is £230 pm less than our rent. You literally couldn't rent anything here for a family of four for the amount of money they pay to cover housing costs

I'll go back and read the thread now

 

[chainsawjob]

Just for info purposes re my post above and universal credit claim as agency worker not getting furloughed , the agency contacted me today and said that the rules have changed from the client having to offer me a perm job to do that to as long as temp workers were working for same client since 28th feb but not started afterwards and were then finished because of covid19 but would have been kept on otherwise then the agency themselves can furlough the employee so as they dont go anywhere else and will continue working for same client afterwards.

So my pay has now been backdated to carry on from last monday at 80 percent full pay and have been told that the furlough must last at least 3 weeks and cannot make money working elsewhere during gov furlough,
This should be same for any agency worker I expect and as I am no longer commuting my pay will be almost the same as it does not affect volunteering etc I will now be looking into doing something for my community whilst off

Anyone claiming universal credit due to agency work stopping it may be worthwhile speaking to their agency about THEM furloughing them too now rather than the client company that are only furloughing perm staff its a lot less hassle and stress than universal credit system at the moment anyway

Blimey, I wonder if many agencies are doing this, or if yours in the minority. It hadn't occurred to me they would, and I expect most won't if they can get away with not having to bother.

 

[Fedayn]

Christ, this thread was only started 2 months ago, it seems like a lifetime and different world though.....

 

[Fedayn]

Only just spotted this thread!

We just got our first UC payment through, took 4 weeks. Currently trying to negotiate a reduced rent with our landlord, as the Housing Benefit component is £230 pm less than our rent. You literally couldn't rent anything here for a family of four for the amount of money they pay to cover housing costs

I'll go back and read the thread now

The rent they will pay is based on the Local Housing Allowance, it is what government will pay depending on the postcode. Go onto Google, input local housing allowance and input your postcode and see what the LHA is for your area, and it increases depending on the number of bedrooms. If you need more help speak to your local authority regarding DHP Discretionary Housing Payment.

 

[chainsawjob]

The rent they will pay is based on the Local Housing Allowance, it is what government will pay depending on the postcode. Go onto Google, input local housing allowance and input your postcode and see what the LHA is for your area, and it increases depending on the number of bedrooms. If you need more help speak to your local authority regarding DHP Discretionary Housing Payment.

I know thanks, I've been on HB before and had the same issue, about 10 yrs ago. I am always amazed they think any housing is available for the amount the LHA is. I looked into this quite a bit, into the geographical area the LHA covers. In our case it covers areas that vary widely in being well-off or not. But tbh rents are high everywhere, even in areas with poore housing and less well off people, rents all seem to be bunched up into a small band of not-varying-much. When I've looked before I never found anything, even the grimmest houses in the grimmest areas that had rents as low as the LHA.

Do you have to repay DHP?

 

[Fedayn]

I know thanks, I've been on HB before and had the same issue, about 10 yrs ago. I am always amazed they think any housing is available for the amount the LHA is. I looked into this quite a bit, into the geographical area the LHA covers. In our case it covers areas that vary widely in being well-off or not. But tbh rents are high everywhere, even in areas with poore housing and less well off people, rents all seem to be bunched up into a small band of not-varying-much. When I've looked before I never found anything, even the grimmest houses in the grimmest areas that had rents as low as the LHA.

Do you have to repay DHP?

Not as far as i'm aware no.

 

[chainsawjob]

Thanks Fedayn

 

[Fedayn]

Thanks Fedayn

No problem

 

[chainsawjob]

.

 

[wemakeyousoundb]

My wife is self employed and her business has almost shut down but she's trying to do something online instead so is still receiving some income although it's a tiny fraction of her pre-plague earnings (which weren't much anyway). Will she still be able to make a claim? Will they just make her pay it back when they get around to properly processing the claims?

it's been a while so hope you got answers elsewhere in the meantime.

yes she can claim.
whatever she earns (receives payment for) during an assesment period gets removed from entitlement at 63 pence per £ earned as she has to declare this monthly
as you are married the entitlmetn is not twice what a single person gets and whatever you earns (if still working or furloughed) impacts it negatively.

 

[chainsawjob]

.

 

[Badgers]

Question...

Might not be a straightforward answer to this

I am on standard UC which also includes a small amount for the room I rent.

Have been offered some self employed work worth about £500ish each time.
Might be one month or at most three months (only £500 each month so not much)

Recall that a claimant could work up to 16 hours (still the case?) and still receive benefits?
UK Living Wage for outside of London is currently £9.30 per hour so that would amount to about £644 per month (pre-tax if applicable).

Should I just call them?

 

[wemakeyousoundb]

Question...

Might not be a straightforward answer to this

I am on standard UC which also includes a small amount for the room I rent.

Have been offered some self employed work worth about £500ish each time.
Might be one month or at most three months (only £500 each month so not much)

Recall that a claimant could work up to 16 hours (still the case?) and still receive benefits?
UK Living Wage for outside of London is currently £9.30 per hour so that would amount to about £644 per month (pre-tax if applicable).

Should I just call them?

Maybe best call them.
Or just do a "change of circumstances" thing on your UC.

Do note that some "work coach" are clueless about UC and self employment and might even tell yhou that you are not entitled to do this, don't believe them and try to speak to someone else if this is the case.

You will have to register with HMRC as self employed if you do (up to 3 month from your start date to do this).

Then you declare to UC what you've been paid for your self employment when the monthly declaration time comes (cash basis accounting). Don't forget to take out your expenses out of what you've earned.
They will reduce this by estimated tax and NI due on your earnings.
You'll get less UC but will be better off.
Not sure the potential hassle from them is worth it though as it is only for a short term thing, then again when the work stops you can just tell them via a change of circumstances again so this way when they re-introduce the minimum income floor you won't get penalised.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[Badgers]

Just had a message from the UCC

Please be aware, the details provided below are to raise awareness of the platforms & courses that are currently available. There is no expectation from the Job Centre for you to participate if you are not interested. If you are interested, and require further details and/or want to be referred; please notify me and I’ll action your request. The list is changing daily so if there is a particular type of training in which you wish to take part please contact me via your journal and I will look into it for you. Employability & Customer Service (SPS) Video conferencing delivery, 121 support and independent learning in their own homes Hospitality, care & Cleaning: Online free courses. All individual courses under each sector. COSHH in a Food Environment Food Allergy Awareness Training Health and Safety in Health and Social Care Settings Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering Internationally Accredited Diploma Certificate in Nutrition Manual Handling in the Workplace First Aid: The Primary Survey Paediatric First Aid Emergency First Aid at Work Safeguarding vulnerable people for Holistic therapists IT: Managing Your Professional Digital Profile Microsoft Office 2010 Made Easy Microsoft Excel 2016 Beginners & Intermediate Excel Training Photoshop Beginners Mastery: Zero to Hero in Photoshop Learn Web Designing & HTML5/CSS3 Essentials in 4-Hours Business: Learn Basic Sage 50 Accounts 2018-19 Bookkeeping for Newbies Business Boot camp: Steps to Owning Your Business The Complete Digital Marketing Course Careers in construction: Asbestos Awareness Manual Handling Slips, Trips and Falls Abrasive Wheels Personal Development: Time Management Self-Assessment and Action Planning for Employability Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners Springboard (Hospitality sector): Springboard’s online training and support is now available for free to unemployed people across the UK and Ireland. If you are currently not working or are unable to work due to Covid-19 and you would like to keep busy and to prepare for when social distancing is relaxed – Springboard are here for you. We are offering tailored support to help you find a job now and, in the future Best practice: An IT & Social media online course for beginners. This will be performed over 6 days in 3 weeks.

 

[William of Walworth]

I'm not sure I've ever been able to pay a compliment to any Job Centre, nor the DWP generally, in my life

But tbf, I have to say this seems pretty good from Badgers ' post above :

There is no expectation from the Job Centre for you to participate if you are not interested

And that list of courses looks far from bad either!
Some of them have got be worth looking at -- plenty of people would find at least one of them useful, when they're up to checking them out.
I suppose a whole lot depends on the qua;lity of the courses though, obviously .....

 

[Badgers]

I'm not sure I've ever been able to pay a compliment to any Job Centre, nor the DWP generally, in my life

But tbf, I have to say this seems pretty good from Badgers ' post above :



And that list of courses looks far from bad either!
Some of them have got be worth looking at -- plenty of people would find at least one of them useful, when they're up to checking theem out.
I suppose a whole lot depends on the qua;lity of the courses though, obviously .....

It is a rare glimpse of positivity for sure.

I have asked for some/all of the hospitality courses as a back up plan.

 

[Petcha]

Only just spotted this thread!

We just got our first UC payment through, took 4 weeks. Currently trying to negotiate a reduced rent with our landlord, as the Housing Benefit component is £230 pm less than our rent. You literally couldn't rent anything here for a family of four for the amount of money they pay to cover housing costs

I'll go back and read the thread now

This is something I don’t quite understand. I’ve never been on UC before but they seem to be paying my entire rent. Is that normal or a mistake? I must admit I was surprised at how much I’m getting.

 

[Fedayn]

Question...

Might not be a straightforward answer to this

I am on standard UC which also includes a small amount for the room I rent.

Have been offered some self employed work worth about £500ish each time.
Might be one month or at most three months (only £500 each month so not much)

Recall that a claimant could work up to 16 hours (still the case?) and still receive benefits?
UK Living Wage for outside of London is currently £9.30 per hour so that would amount to about £644 per month (pre-tax if applicable).

Should I just call them?

Go into your online claim,, go into 'report a change' and then go into 'work and earnings'. Update it with a start date of your work and other details, you can work more than 16hrs a week. Make sure you check the start and end date of your assessment period. When you are actually paid for any work report it. Or to make it easier on the date your assessment period ends check if there is a 'to do' about self reported earnings. If there is brilliant, go into it and update it with gross, tax, NI and any pension deds and net pay. If there ismn't simply phone the UC number 0800 328 5644 and speak top an agent and update your earnings.

 

[wtfftw]

Question...

Might not be a straightforward answer to this

I am on standard UC which also includes a small amount for the room I rent.

Have been offered some self employed work worth about £500ish each time.
Might be one month or at most three months (only £500 each month so not much)

Recall that a claimant could work up to 16 hours (still the case?) and still receive benefits?
UK Living Wage for outside of London is currently £9.30 per hour so that would amount to about £644 per month (pre-tax if applicable).

Should I just call them?

I'm not sure if it's entitled.to or one of the other calculators that also has a section for wage deductions etc. Might be worth a look/run through.

I'm under the impression you can work and they just remove money accordingly until you reach a threshold that stops you qualifying for UC. Not entirely sure tho.

 

[Fedayn]

This is something I don’t quite understand. I’ve never been on UC before but they seem to be paying my entire rent. Is that normal or a mistake? I must admit I was surprised at how much I’m getting.

It depends on the LHA (Local Housing Allowance) for the postcode you ar in. There will be a fixed limit on what the govt will pay each type of property, depending on number of bedrooms etc. If you search google for L

ocal Housing Allowance there are details you can look through by inputting your postcode that will let you know the maximum amount we will pay.​

 

[Petcha]

It depends on the LHA (Local Housing Allowance) for the postcode you ar in. There will be a fixed limit on what the govt will pay each type of property, depending on number of bedrooms etc. If you search google for L
ocal Housing Allowance there are details you can look through by inputting your postcode that will let you know the maximum amount we will pay.

Thanks Fedayn. Do you work in the UC system?

If so, may I ask another question? I've been getting UC, but recently applied for ESA, which was approved and I will receive my first payment this week. This seems to have drastically reduced my UC amount though, to the point where it was actually really fucking stupid to apply for ESA. How does that work?

I thought they were separate things - ie, I'd get both?