How Does Universal Credit Cover Housing Costs?
Universal Credit calculates rent based on a 52-week year, meaning it will divide your annual rent by 12 months and pay that amount.
When there’s an extra week, Universal Credit doesn’t automatically adjust to cover this 53rd week. This means that your Universal Credit payment for housing costs will not increase to cover the additional week of rent.
What Can You Do to cover a 53-Week Rent Year?
Set aside a small amount each month to cover the shortfall caused by the 53rd week.
If you pay weekly will need to pay for 53 weeks
if you pay your rent monthly or four weekly, then divide your weekly rent by the remaining monthly payments due until the end of the financial year and add this shortfall to your existing payments.
Support is Available
We understand that a 53-week rent year can cause confusion and financial stress for some tenants.
Speak to your Rent and Financial Inclusion Officer: If you’re concerned about being able to pay your rent during a 53-week year, they can offer advice, and in some cases, it may be possible to arrange a payment plan. Call us on 0800 389 2005 for more information.
If exceptional hardship is caused, you may be eligible to be considered for a tenancy sustainment grant for help to address the shortfall.
In other cases, tenants facing hardship may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover shortfalls in rent. RBKC DHP claim form
If you are struggling to pay your rent or service charge, your Rent and Financial Inclusion Officer can also refer you to the Lancaster West Money MOT drop-in sessions at Baseline Studios for assistance with welfare benefits and money advice.
Four other Money MOT cafes are held around the borough each month at the following locations. For more information contact customer services on 0800 137 111 or email financialinclusion@rbkc.gov.uk
RBKC Housing and Employment Service: Can help you with work and training, apply for welfare benefits, manage money and income maximisation and access other specialist services. Call on 020 7361 2070 or email: housingandemployment@rbkc.gov.uk
Help with Winter fuel costs
As a result of Winter fuel payments for pensioners now being means tested; for those who are not in receipt of a qualifying benefit, some may struggle to meet the costs of heating their homes this winter.
Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?
You may still be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2024-2025 if you meet all of the following criteria:
You were born on or before 22 September 1958
You receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance,
or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25
You were living in England or Wales for the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September. This is 16 to 22 September 2024.
If you've never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim. For more information call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160
If you are a pensioner, are struggling to meet your heating costs but do not qualify for winter fuel payments, you may be eligible for some assistance with the Councils low-income support payment. https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/benefits/benefits-provided-council/low-income-support-payment
Pension Credit
If you're over State Pension age and struggling to make ends meet, you might also be able to claim Pension Credit to top up your income.
If you are over state retirement age and single with total weekly income under £218 then you may qualify. - If you're a couple, both of pension age, with total weekly income under £333 or not above £350 then you may qualify. (The threshold may be higher if you are claiming some disability benefits)
To claim Pension Credit, you can either: · claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren't any children or young people included in your claim)
Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).
For a referral to Lancaster Wests energy advice service for practical tips on reducing household energy consumption please call: 0800 389 2005
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