Universal Credit
The basic main principles of Universal Credit.
Monthly Assessment Periods - massive implications for claimants & for landlords.
"Conditionality" is a key feature of Universal Credit: what are the conditions?
Communicating with the DWP - notifications, time limits, problems etc
What 'extras' someone on Universal Credit might be entitled to.
What are the key problem areas to look out for.
The rules on help with housing costs on moving home are different from the Housing Benefit rules. Find out more, and use our standard letters to maximise UC.
How much help can a UC claimant get with their housing costs? Look into the rules around service charge eligibility, bedroom tax, non-dependant deductions - and how they differ from Housing Benefit.
Ensure your tenants get all the UC they are entitled to.
The way income is taken into account in monthly assessment periods means UC awards can vary month to month, with effects on budgeting, rent payments, and landlord's APA managed payments.
Claimants can find it difficult to keep exactly to their claimant commitment and risk being sanctioned, with knock-on effects on ability to pay rent. Find out how much, how long, and what can be done.
How can rent arrears be avoided? What can be done if a UC claimant gets into rent arrears? 2 months' rent arrears or more means an APA managed payment can be made. Consider the pros and cons of Third Party Deductions
