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Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit and how will it affect tenants and your organisation?

Universal Credit (UC) was introduced in April 2013 and represents the Government's latest, means-tested benefit, administered by the DWP, which provides a single monthly payment for people of "working age" (up to aged 66) who are either unemployed, sick, disabled, caring for children or adults or working part or full-time. UC, by September 2024, should fully replace the existing means-tested benefits (e.g Income Support, JSA (IB), ESA (IB) and tax credits) that your tenants might be currently receiving. Landlords are particularly interested in the "Housing Costs Element" (HCE) of the benefit, which replaces Housing Benefit (HB) and Local Housing Allowance (LHA). Since its introduction, DWP has struggled, particularly with the HCE part of the benefit, causing substantial rent arrears to accrue; putting tenancies in jeopardy; and tenants being evicted, sometimes unnecessarily in the process. Landlords, especially those who adopt a hands-on approach, or use specialist staff (Welfare Rights, Financial Inclusion, can mitigate much of the potential losses they would otherwise experience. As recognised experts in this field, we can help by working alongside you and your staff to ensure you're better informed and capable of pursuing matters on your tenant's behalf with DWP and/or First-tier Tribunals. Where necessary, we can act as your represntative, in disputes that can't be resolved through mediation.
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Universal Credit Advice Videos

Universal Credit will, in time, completely replace

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit

Which benefits are not affected by Universal Credit?

  • Contributory based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Contributory based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)/Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Benefit
  • Maternity Allowance
  • Statutory Sick/Maternity Pay
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit/Pension
  • Many others

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Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Content available for members only

Access to some of the content of this page is limited to members of the site. If you are already a member, please log in at the top right of the page. If you are not already a member, please register to gain access to this content and many others.

Contact

Contact the Universal Credit Helpline

All DWP Universal Credit phone lines are now free and nobody is charged when they need to call to get help with their Universal Credit claim.

The key Universal Credit Freephone numbers include:

Universal Credit full service: 0800 328 5644
(this replaces 0345 600 4272)

If you’re a landlord phoning on behalf of a tenant make sure you secure explicit consent from your tenant beforehand. This can be provided by inserting a note in their journal or via e-mail or phone.

Often the best way to secure a problem is to make a complaint to DWP’s local service manager. His/her name and email address can be found here

Become a member.
Find all the information you need.

  • Access Exclusive Content aimed at landlords
  • Unlimited Information & Resources
  • Focus on tenants & landlords maximising their respective incomes and revenue streams
  • Ask Questions of our experts
  • Discuss topics and questions with other members
View Membership

Monthly fees apply.