Universal Credit - Important Changes on 3rd April 2023

If you are claiming Universal Credit at the start of April 2023 you will need to make some changes to your journal due to the rent increase. Unlike Housing Benefit where we can inform the council of any rent changes, with Universal Credit it is up to the claimant,  that is you , to inform the DWP of any such changes.

You need to make these changes on your UC Journal from 3rd April 2023 onwards. Your new rent details are being sent from 14th February 2023 to all customers. If you misplace the letter then please contact the Rent Support Team on 0300 303 9848 Option1 and they can let you know the correct information.

 To update your rent details
 
1) Log onto your UC Journal
2) Go to Home section
3) Go to Report a Change section
4) Select Where I live and what it costs
5) There are two options            
> I have moved
> Something else
6) Go to Something else and fill in that your weekly rent and service charges have changed with effect from Monday 4 April 2022 and submit the form.

It is important that you update your rent amount as a matter of urgency as Universal Credit ordinarily only backdates claims by 1-month.  You may need to explain why you have been unable to do this update in a timely manner.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) is a single monthly payment, paid in arrears, for people in or out of work. It is paid into a bank account. You can use this UC Checker, a step by step guide for Universal Credit (UC) claimants, that helps you through the UC application process.

https://uc-helper.co.uk/weaver-vale-housing-trust

It is for people over 18 and under Pension Credit age. You can calculate your pension credit age here. If you receive money towards your rent then this will be included in your single monthly payment. You will have to make your claim for UC online and not in a local office and you must tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes in your circumstances (including changes to your rent) or you will lose out in your payments. You can learn more about Universal Credit by watching the short video below.

Universal Credit Support & Advice

For further help about UC contact Money Matters or any of the organisations below.

Claim Universal Credit here

Also you can use this step by step guide for Universal Credit (UC) claimants, that helps you through the UC application process.

https://uc-helper.co.uk/weaver-vale-housing-trust

UC for Vulnerable People

Universal Credit Logo

Alternative payment arrangements (APAs) are an alternative way of getting payments.  

Also you can use this step by step guide for Universal Credit (UC) claimants, that helps you through the UC application process.

https://uc-helper.co.uk/weaver-vale-housing-trust

They include:

  • Paying the rent directly to your landlord if your arrears build up
  • Making more frequent payments
  • Splitting the payment within the household

APAs can also be considered if a claimant meets any of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 factors indicating need. If you fall into one of these categories then it is likely that the housing element of your UC claim can be paid directly to us.

Tier 1 factors – Highly likely/probable need for alternative payment arrangements
  • Drug/alcohol and/or other addiction problems e.g. gambling
  • Learning difficulties including problems with literacy and/or numeracy
  • Severe/multiple debt problems
  • In temporary and/or supported accommodation
  • Homeless
  • Domestic violence/abuse
  • Mental health condition
  • Currently in rent arrears/threat of eviction/repossession
  • Claimant is young either a 16/17 year old and/or a care leaver
  • Families with multiple and complex needs
Tier 2 factors - Less likely/possible need for alternative payment arrangements
  • No bank account
  • Third party deductions in place (e.g. for fines, utility arrears etc)
  • Claimant is a refugee/asylum seeker
  • History of rent arrears
  • Previously homeless and/or in supported accommodation
  • Other disability (e.g. physical disability, sensory impairment etc)
  • Claimant has just left prison
  • Claimant has just left hospital
  • Recently bereaved
  • Language skills (e.g. english not spoken as the ‘first language’).
  • Ex service personnel
  • NEETs - Not in Education, Employment or Training