UC Monthly Payments

Hi All,

I am fortunate enough to receive full housing benefit, the only issue is when I was on IRESA the HB was paid by the council, and therefore separate to any ESA monies I received. The Council paid HB on the last day of the month, and my rent was due on the 1St of the month, which meant I could just pay it as soon as I received it.

But now HB is paid by UC and included in my total monthly amount, I am finding myself having to hold on to the HB until the next month as despite joining UC on 02nd of the month, they dont pay it until the 08 of every month. Which meant my rent would in affect be 2 weeks late.

Using money set aside for the Migration period, I paid the rent on the 1st, of the month, but as the rent element is not paid to me until the 08th of each month I have to now hold on to it until I can pay it on the 1st of the following month. The issue is the rent amount is making it look like I have more money than I actually do in my account. Where as the old way it was paid in and paid out on the same day.

Can I ask UC to pay the rent separately just like HB used to be? I have both mental heath and memory issues, and I am worried that I may end up spending the money without realising.

Navigator.

An alternative suggestion.. would be to set up a direct debit on the 9th of the month. This way you would be paying your rent early, but it would be gone from your account.
If you do it for the day after you receive your money you would know it’s definitely there..
My Housing Association phoned me up and we set up the Direct Debit over the phone. O