Dual Housing Costs
Dual Housing Costs
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Contents
Contents
Dual Housing Costs Table
When might Dual Housing Costs happen?
Universal Credit Rules
Housing Benefit
When to Notify and How to Apply
Other Options
Useful Contacts
Overview
Overview
As a rule, benefits only help with one home at a time. In limited situations, you may get help with two homes, often called dual housing costs.
The rules are different for Universal Credit (UC) and Housing Benefit (HB).
Always check with your council or the DWP, as rules can change.
Dual Housing Costs Table
Dual Housing Costs Table
When might Dual Housing Costs happen?
When might Dual Housing Costs happen?
You might face rent on two homes if:
You’ve moved into a new tenancy but still have to pay notice on the old one.
You left your home because of fear of violence or abuse and are paying rent somewhere else.
Your family is large and the council or landlord has put you in two homes.
You’ve started renting a new place but can’t move in yet because it needs disability adaptations for you or someone in your household.
You have major disrepair works in your home and need to move out temporarily.
Universal Credit Rules
Universal Credit Rules
Universal Credit can sometimes pay towards two homes, but only in limited cases:
Fear of violence/abuse: if you’ve left your home because of a reasonable fear of violence and intend to return. UC can pay both rents for up to 12 months.
Large families: if a social landlord has had to place your family in two dwellings, UC can pay both. There is no specified limit.
Waiting for disability adaptations: if someone in your household needs adaptations before moving in, UC can pay towards the new home for up to 1 month while you still pay for the old one.
Major disrepair works: if essential repairs or health and safety issues mean you cannot stay in your usual home, UC may cover the rent on a temporary home as well as your main one (normally short-term).
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit (still used by some people in supported/temporary housing or pension age) has slightly wider rules:
Unavoidable overlap: up to 4 weeks for both homes if you had to start a new tenancy before your old one ended.
Fear of violence: up to 52 weeks if you’ve left home due to fear of violence and intend to return.
Large families in two homes: if the council has placed your household in two dwellings because one property isn’t big enough. There is no specified limit.
Major disrepair works: HB can sometimes cover both homes if you’ve had to move out temporarily while the property is repaired.
When to Notify and How to Apply
When to Notify and How to Apply
Universal Credit: tell UC straight away using your online journal or the helpline. Backdating is rare.
Housing Benefit: notify the council within 4 weeks of moving or changes. Councils may backdate up to 3 months if you had good cause, but it’s not guaranteed.
Always keep copies of tenancy agreements, notices, landlord letters, and repair evidence. The sooner you notify, the better your chances.
Other Options
Other Options
If you are unable to get help with dual housing costs, you can try these options instead:
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from the council.
Landlord concessions like repayment plans, write-offs, or short-term rent reduction.
Grants and local welfare support for moving or hardship costs.
Debt advice for dealing with arrears and budgeting.
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