NHAS help reverse Universal Credit housing cost decision for domestic abuse victim

Our free advice line gives specialist advice on housing, housing debt, and welfare benefit issues. An NHAS adviser recently helped Women’s Aid overturn a Universal Credit housing cost decision for a domestic abuse victim.

What was the problem?

We were approached by a Women’s Aid centre in relation to a client they had been supporting who had been the victim of domestic abuse. 

Following a split from their ex-partner, the client applied for the housing element of Universal Credit but was only awarded 50% of the housing costs as the ex-partner was a joint tenant, and therefore jointly liable for the rent.

What we did

Our adviser set out the regulations regarding Universal Credit, who is treated as liable for housing costs and how to go about getting a decision reviewed.

Outcome

The adviser got back in touch with us to let us know Universal Credit reviewed the case and awarded the client the full rent amount. They also gave a backdated payment for the rent between 16 March to 15 May.