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Universal Credit - What happens to

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…

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Universal Credit - What happens to the UC claim when couples split - complicated & scary!

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…

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Universal Credit - Digital System on its way?

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…

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Universal Credit - Annual rent increase process revealed!

Good morning, DWP recently notified Housing Associations, in those areas already affected by the national rollout, of a process designed to partially automate, the April 2015 uprating of tenants’ rents. It must be stressed, this ONLY applies to April 2015 and does not affect those tenants who continue to claim…

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DWP invite applications for Trusted Partner Pilots

Good morning, The DWP has just issued an invitation to all Social Landlords to apply to become one of 20 pilot “Trusted Partners” sites. If you’re interested and assuming you meet the DWPs entry criteria, applications must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 13th November 2015. To…

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Discretionary Housing Payments - A postal code lottery!

Good afternoon, The House of Commons Library has just published an interesting report on the use of DHP awards, UK wide, which you can find here. It highlights the variable approaches of LAs and how many applicants are being refused, probably unfairly. I would recommend you provide access to your…

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Universal Credit - Further DWP announcement of

Hi, Yet another DWP announcement, today, about further expansions in the roll out, this time relating to what the DWP calls the “Universal Credit Gateway” i.e. the eligibility criteria, which, until now, has severely restricted claims to only the simplest of cases. In the main, these only involved, single, newly…

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DWP announce 2nd tranche of Universal Credit national rollout

Good Morning, Hot on the heals of its pre-Christmas announcement, DWP has just published its 2nd list of Jobcentre and Council areas, that will represent the next tranche of the national rollout, starting May, and completing in July 2015. The expansion plan, has been ongoing, since June 2014, when it moved to the…

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