Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how individuals living in (a) specified supported and (b) supported exempt accommodation are advised when they submit a universal credit application that they will not be entitled to the housing element of that benefit.

The claims for housing benefit of people living in (a) specified supported and (b) supported exempt accommodation do not automatically end when they apply for Universal Credit. There is a process in place where Local Authority informs the DWP, which ensures the claimant’s housing benefit claim remains open, ensuring they receive both the housing benefit and the Universal Credit payment that they are entitled to.

Individuals living in specified supported and supported exempt accommodation will receive correspondence from their Local Authority with information about their housing benefit entitlement. Additionally, their UC Journal will clearly outline their UC entitlements.