Does anyone know about dole/universal credit and housing?
Discussion
I know someone that is a healthy single adult with no disabilities etc. They have a housing association one bed flat and for the last few years have had working tax credit to prop up their self employed status. This means that the flat is paid for and about 50 quid a week or something is given to them.
They do very little work and earn effectively nothing from the business. This person is now in the process of moving from working tax credits to universal credit. As part of the application they’ve had to agree to look for work. This is unlikely to happen. They see themselves as being self employed, despite their business being non viable.
Over the years there have been various complaints by the neighbours to the housing association. Whether justified or not is not relevant really, they’re not held in high regard by at least one neighbour who complains to the association repeatedly which has led to various inspections and visits from the association.
The question I have is as their business is not bringing in any money and they are technically able to work a conventional job, what is likely to happen? Are they in any danger of being booted from the flat/losing any benefits?
I don’t really need answers along the lines of ‘they should get a proper job and pay their way’. I fully agree and have been
trying to get them to sort their s
t out to no avail and the situation is what it is. Anyone with in any insight?
They do very little work and earn effectively nothing from the business. This person is now in the process of moving from working tax credits to universal credit. As part of the application they’ve had to agree to look for work. This is unlikely to happen. They see themselves as being self employed, despite their business being non viable.
Over the years there have been various complaints by the neighbours to the housing association. Whether justified or not is not relevant really, they’re not held in high regard by at least one neighbour who complains to the association repeatedly which has led to various inspections and visits from the association.
The question I have is as their business is not bringing in any money and they are technically able to work a conventional job, what is likely to happen? Are they in any danger of being booted from the flat/losing any benefits?
I don’t really need answers along the lines of ‘they should get a proper job and pay their way’. I fully agree and have been
trying to get them to sort their s
t out to no avail and the situation is what it is. Anyone with in any insight?if they're "self employed" I think that the amount of UC they are entitled to is calculated using an "assumed income floor". So (AIUI) you can'y say "I'm self employed but my net profits are £2.99 a week". If your declared earnings are below NMW then you are assumed to be earning NMW.
In relation to the HA flat it's a completely separate issue. As long as the rent keeps getting paid they will retain the tenancy. I assume that at the moment HB will be paying some or all of the rent. If (and it's a big IF) their benefits gets anctioned they'll be required to make up any shortfall. if they go into arrears then eventually they'll be evicted. But it takes years....
In relation to the HA flat it's a completely separate issue. As long as the rent keeps getting paid they will retain the tenancy. I assume that at the moment HB will be paying some or all of the rent. If (and it's a big IF) their benefits gets anctioned they'll be required to make up any shortfall. if they go into arrears then eventually they'll be evicted. But it takes years....
Edited by Countdown on Saturday 10th August 17:31
This is really the reason the systems broken, while there does exist a process for ejecting out of the system those who refuse to engage with it, having seen people play the system (both intentionally and unintentionally thorough delusion like your friend who is not self employed in reality, he is just failing through life) it's too easy for people to engage enough to qualify for benefits but actually get nowhere, the system is there as a safety net to allow people to get back on their feet, yet is seen all to often as a career path.
AFAIK on Universal Credit you have to spend 35 hours a week looking for work, basically your full time job is looking for a full time job.
However, if you were on an approved vocational course for 35 hours per week, then that's all you need to do. Volunteering is included as well, you could spend 34 hours a week clearing rubbish from parks and 1 hour job hunting. If your friend is 'working' 35 hours per week and can prove it, then it may suffice.
However, if you were on an approved vocational course for 35 hours per week, then that's all you need to do. Volunteering is included as well, you could spend 34 hours a week clearing rubbish from parks and 1 hour job hunting. If your friend is 'working' 35 hours per week and can prove it, then it may suffice.
ARHarh said:
Well I think you are going to get those comments you don't want. You are from me. Why should everyone else pay for them when they are capable of working. The sooner that flat goes to someone with a genuine need the beyer.
Not really much help to be honest. I’m not asking for judgement. I work my bks off and have done since I was a teen. I have told the person in question they need to pull their finger out and do the same. They’re an inept business person who refuses to listen to advice but that’s not really the point of the thread. The question I’m asking is if there is a mechanism to boot them out and how likely that is to happen. Thanks to those with useful advice.
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