Under-occupation – advice for Lewisham Homes or Phoenix residents
Every five to six years, the calendar makes it so we have 53 Mondays instead of the usual 52. This coming financial year, 2024 / 2025, is one of those special years.
If you get Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions will only pay for 52 weeks of your rent in a year. In a 53 week financial year, this means there will be one week of rent that will not be covered by Universal Credit.
Find out what we're doing to help and what to do if you're affected and already struggling with the cost of living.
We give all our under-occupying tenants who apply:
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priority band 1 for rehousing
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£300 for each bedroom you are giving up
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accompanied viewings to a suitable property.
We will also pay for:
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your removal fees
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disconnection and reconnection to domestic appliances such as cookers and washing machines
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redirection of your mail
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phone disconnection and reconnection.
What choices will I have for my new home?
There are several possibilities for you:
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the option of moving to any area in the borough
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the choice of moving to either council or housing association properties
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if you are 60 and over, the option of moving to sheltered accommodation and nomination to the Seaside and Country Homes scheme.
How do I register my interest?
If you are a Lewisham Homes or Phoenix Community Housing tenant contact your local housing office and they will be able to provide you with an application form.
For more information contact Laura Murray or Dorothy Bryan on 020 8314 8180 or 020 8314 7538.