Should you include all benefits in affordability referencing?

If HB/UC rent element is awarded to a tenant on the basis of what specific housing subsidy they are to receive, then should this really be the only benefit used for rental affordability purposes?

I understand that some referencing agencies consider any and all benefits claimed in their assessment, and others do not.

PIP, for example, is not means tested, not dependent on whether a person is a home owner, living in a hostel or rents a flat or house in the private or social sector. The reason for additional financial assistance is because the person’s disability or difficulties are of enough ‘weight’ to warrant it.

The government states that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit aimed at helping with the extra costs of long-term ill health or disability. It is intended to help you manage daily living tasks and mobility.

PIP is also in the main is also a time-limited award. It requires the claimant update them when their health changes as well as at the defined review date. With that comes the possibility of it being reduced or cancelled.

There is also the fear that courts themselves will not take PIP into consideration if possession due to rent arrears is claimed. If this is not a subsidy the government have decreed is specifically for putting towards housing costs, how confident are we that the courts will see it any differently?

Are landlords therefore only being responsible when they ignore PIP as part of referencing because this is ultimately depriving that person of the ability to use the money specifically given for their personal disability needs as well as ensuring they don’t get caught out in the rent arrears possession trap?

NB, I am also aware that there are a number of benefit recipients now claiming PIP as a direct result of the additional money it provides and because of the inability for the landlord to request a direct payment to pay for housing needs/rent arrears from this additional subsidy.

Thanks,

Reluctant landlord