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Subsistence payments and UC
Hi folks. I think this is the correct place for this one!
Just been asked a “quick question”: Tenant on UC is absent from the property as it is being repaired (toilet / drainage system, in case you ask). She is staying with her parents. LA have offered her a subsistence payment of £50 per night under their policy intended to be passed to her parents for food, electricity, toilet paper etc, though paid direct to her as she is the tenant and they can’t pay it to anyone else. She is concerned that this will be treated as income for UC purposes and is reluctant to accept the payments. I have checked the usual places and ADM guidance on income and can’t see this listed or falling under one of the income headings so can I safely advise that this will not be counted as income or affect her UC payment?
Many thanks.
I believe you are correct. The claimant is treated as occupying the property in these circumstances, so the housing element will still be paid, and the payments from the LA do not come within any of the categories of unearned income in the regs.
Many thanks Charles!