Welfare Reforms

Universal Credit

If you claim money for your rent from universal credit, they will pay it directly to you, if you qualify.

You are responsible for paying your full property rent when claiming housing costs from universal credit. If you are struggling to manage your money and need help dealing with debts and budgeting, our Financial Inclusion and Welfare Benefits Team may be able to help. Please let your Leasehold Income Officer know and they will ask one of the team to speak to you, if necessary. You can find out more about universal credit on www.havering.gov.uk/uc

The amount of housing costs that housing benefit or universal credit pay may be reduced because of one or more of the following reasons:

YOUR INCOME:

The amount of Universal Credit you are entitled to will be affected by your Income.

BENEFIT CAP:

If you are getting more than £442.31 (for a family) or £296.35 (single person) a week in benefits then your benefits can be reduced to stay under the capped amount. Find out more on www.havering.gov.uk/bencap

NON-DEPENDENT DEDUCTION:

Your housing costs can be reduced if there is an adult who is not your partner, living in your home. This is because adults are expected to contribute towards where they live. There can be a reduction for each adult who is not your partner, who is living in your home. You may ask the adult(s) to contribute to the rent but the full property rent remains your responsibility even if they do not contribute.

The Leasehold Income team can tell you what help is available and refer you for specialist support if you need it. You can contact the team online at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing by phone on 01708 433060 or via email Leaseholdincome@Havering.gov.uk