As of today, 15th July 2015, a new e-mail facility is available allowing Social Landlords to make Alternative Payment Arrangement (APAs) applications, in respect of Universal Credit.

Background

DWP introducing the new approach said:

“We are committed to making UC work for landlords as well as claimants. As a…

Good morning,

One of our website members has shared with me a copy of a very informative & helpful Universal Credit leaflet they have produced for tenants in preparation for rollout later this year. They also agreed that I can share this information with other members, believing, like me, this…

A few weeks ago, a new e-mail facility was made available, allowing Social Landlords to make Alternative Payment Arrangement (APAs) applications, including requests for payment redirection, in respect of Universal Credit. by e-mail, rather than sending applications and associated back-up evidence, by post, to Wolverhamption. I’m pleased to say, DWP…

Good morning,

The House of Commons library has just published a briefing paper to help your understanding of state benefit & tax credit rules, relating to people who come to the UK from abroad.

As the paper’s introduction suggests:

“The rules on…

Good morning,

DWP has just published its latest set of statisitics on Universal Credit and have created an interactive map which allows you to key in your post code and establish whether your area is now “live” for claiming or approximately when you’ll be affected.

Main Findings

1. View Article

Good afternoon,

Two of my most recent bulletins explain:

1. DWP’s complaints process – http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/09/universal-credit—complaints-process-explained

2. What to do when things go wrong – http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/08/universal-credit-apas—what-to-do-when-dwp-get-it-wrong

I encouraged you to challenge any Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) request, which is:

a) Refused unreasonably or without adequate reasons being given; or

b) Payment…

Good morning,

Following news, last week from DWP, that the rollout was gaining pace (May’s figures, up on the month before by 22%) and much wider geographic coverage, evidence is emerging that the LB of Sutton “digital system” trial is showing signs DWP is actually making some progress, so much…

Good morning, As the roll-out of Universal Credit expands geographically and the “barriers to entry” slowly disolve, more and more of your tenants will become affected and need your assistance to understand the new scheme and make their claim. Not surprisingly, Housing Associations are anxious to secure a better understanding…

Good afternoon,

As the roll-out of Universal Credit expands geographically (latest from DWP https://www.gov.uk/government/news/universal-credit-roll-out-continues ) more and more of our website www.ucadvice.co.uk clients are experiencing their first taste of the new scheme. Although, as predicted, the number of tenants affected are low, the amount of time they’re spending…

Good morning, One of the most common questions we are asked by staff on our Universal Credit training course or via the website www.ucadvice.co.uk is; how will tenants cope financially if they have to wait 5 weeks for their first payment of benefit? The answer for most tenants will be to…