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 of the…

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 on each…

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 claim…

Good morning, I’m delighted to announce the launch of our revamped website, designed by housing professionals to be used by social and private landlords’ staff to ensure their tenants maximise their entitlement to Universal Credit, minimising, in turn, the opportunity for rent arrears to occur. Our new site includes a…

Good morning, I’m delighted to announce the launch of our revamped website which now includes a new section designed to explain the key features of the new scheme, including links to various websites, critical information needed to support claims, report changes, ensure payment is made correctly, on time and keeping…

Good morning, My most recent bulletin (17th April) http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/04/universal-credit—what-happens-to-the-uc-claim-when-couples-split certainly produced a reaction from income management, welfare rights and financial inclusion staff. Most were surprised, even astounded, by my revelations and the potential adverse impact this could have on rental collection. I’ve since been inundated with further questions; the most…

Good morning, In an earlier bulletin http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2014/08/universal-credit—beware-of-the-whole-month-approach-and-its-threat-to-rent-collection I alerted you to the potential problems, caused by the “whole month rule” when changes in circumstances occur in the tenant’s household which then have a knock-on effect on their Universal Credit entitlement. I’ve been pursuing some real case “what if” scenarios with…

Good morning, Rollout update After a series of lengthy operational delays and related criticism from the likes of the Work & Pensions Committee, CIH, National Housing Federation, it appears that Universal Credit’s expansion could quite significantly increase from May 2016 due to very positive feedback on the “digital system” currently…