Can I get Universal Credit to pay rent for two homes?

Q. I currently claim Universal Credit and receive help towards my rent. I currently live in social housing and was due to move to another social housing property but the move was put on hold during lock down.

I had however signed my tenancy agreement for the new property so I now have rent to pay for two homes.

Is there any help available in such situations, i.e. can I get Universal Credit rent costs for two homes?

A. Currently with Universal Credit you are only eligible for rental costs for two homes if one or more of the following apply.

1) The property that you are moving to needs to be adapted to meet the needs of a disable occupant.

2) You have to occupy two homes as one property is not suitable as you have a large family.

3) Domestic abuse is a factor in causing you to move home.

We are not aware if the government is planning to introduce new legislation to extend the scope of these current rules but this may of course change in the future.

You may be able to submit an application for a budgeting advance if you are on UC provided you have claimed UC for six or more months but such an advance would need to be repaid and the maximum award would be capped depending on your circumstances. You may also wish to speak to your local authority to see if the may be able to pay discretionary housing payments in this situation.

There are no national rules for discretionary housing payments, each council has an obligation to provide a top up scheme but the guidance each council uses in making an award will vary from LA to LA but the government has provided additional funds for councils to assist with DHP claims. Furthermore you may wish to approach your landlord to see if they are prepared to suspend rent payments on one of the properties.

For the latest official announcements on benefit issues including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Income Support, as well as Jobseeker’s allowance, go to the government website www.gov.uk.