Currently I'm still on legacy benefits (ESA, HB). As a result of recent rent increases, the HB I claim and receive is quite a bit less than my rent. I am considering requesting a reassessment of my HB so as I might receive an increased amount and get more of my rent covered, but partly as a result of being on the autistic spectrum, I am reluctant to change anything unless I absolutely have to.
My question is as follows: when it eventually comes to migrating to UC, will the portion of UC I receive for housing costs be related to (i) the amount of HB I am receiving at the time (regardless of the rent amount), or (ii) the actual rent amount?
(Obviously, if the answer to the question is (i), then I'll have to be sure that I'm claiming as much HB relative to my rent as I can before the migration to UC happens).
Most tenants of private landlords are not able to get their Housing Benefit increased beyond the specified LHA ( local housing allowance ) amount. Some tenants receive DHPs ( discretionary housing payments ) but these are not included in the UC Managed Migration Transitional Protection. UC will also use the same LHA amount for a private tenant. Have a look at this guide from the charity Shelter. england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/be..._to_universal_credit
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
