New regulations going into effect April first of this year will restrict the Universal credit 18-21 year olds receive for housing costs. The move is aimed at alleviating the cost to taxpayers by keeping young people who can live at home, staying at home. Some claimants can however, take advantage of some exemptions. Because some young people can not stay at home, there are several exemptions available.

If the claimant is orphaned or at physical or mental risk to be at home, exemptions apply. If the claimant is a parent or disabled or is in local authority housing, exemptions apply too. There are other exemptions but most able-bodied 18-21 year olds will be left without this credit and may be unable to privately rent their own homes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Today (3rd March) the Government has laid regulations that will enact a long-delayed manifesto commitment to restrict the housing costs element of Universal Credit that 18-21 year olds currently receive.
  • They argue that this change will make the system fairer by encouraging young people who can stay at home to do so, thus alleviating a cost to the tax payer.
  • The Government has effectively closed the door to private rented housing to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.

Key Quote:

"Today (3rd March) the Government has laid regulations that will enact a long-delayed manifesto commitment to restrict the housing costs element of Universal Credit that 18-21 year olds currently receive."

Read the full article:

https://nlauk.wordpress.com/2017/03/03/your-tenants-could-be-about-to-lose-their-housing-benefit/