Dear Ben
Yes unfortunately it is the case that Housing Benefit cannot be claimed if
living in university owned accommodation. The justification used is that
halls accommodation is subsidised and so should not attract HB, but living
in halls accommodation can often come with a hefty cost.
Skill has been doing some policy work in this area, as we feel that many
disabled students need to live in accessible accommodation and close to the
university, and halls is the best option. A change in these rules, even to
benefit just a few students, will still be beneficial. In 1999 Skill did
some research into the difference between halls costs and private
accommodation in relation to Housing Benefit. We found that private
accommodation was sometimes more expensive, or even just the same (this is
not just in London). Findings for this research were published in the Skill
Journal (Issue 67, 1/7/2000). We are still continuing with the Policy work,
but there is no sign of change as yet.
With best wishes.
Dee Juneja
Information and Research Worker
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW
Main line: 020 7450 0620 (voice/text) Fax: 020 7450 0650
Information Service: 0800 328 5050 (voice), 0800 068 2422 (text)
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Monday - Thursday 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Website: www.skill.org.uk
Support Skill as you shop on line at <www.ushopugive.com>
Skill is a registered charity no. 801971 and a company limited by guarantee
no. 2397897
Promoting equality in education, training and employment for disabled
people. _______________________________________
We are committed to providing a free information service but answering
7,000+ enquiries a year does not come cheap. If you can support our work by
becoming a member or making a donation please contact us. You can call us on
020 7450 0620 or email us at [log in to unmask]
For more information you can visit our website at www.skill.org.uk
Of course, if you are already a member please accept our thanks. You make
this possible.
-----Original Message-----
From: Benedict C Fell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 07 May 2003 12:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Housing Benefit and adapted University Accommodation
Dear Dis-Forum list,
A colleague recently told me about a case of a disabled student who was
eligible for Income Support and had found a place in adapted University
accommodation. The student applied for Housing Benefit (as those on
Income Support are entitled to do). However,
the student's application was turned down because she was living in
University accommodation.Apparently there was a small clause which
forbade HB being awarded if the adapted property was owned by the Uni.
Does anyone know if this is still the
situation? Have the rules changed? Has anyone come across similar
scenarios?
Would appreciate any input/comments on this
Thanks in anticipation
Ben Fell
----------------------------------------
Benedict C Fell
Research Assistant,
67 Salmon Grove,
HUll HU6 7RX
Email: [log in to unmask]
University of Hull
|