Did you know that we provide a wide range of housing support?
From Universal Credit payments to Alternative Payment Arrangements, there is a whole range of help available and here are just some of the things that you could receive.
Universal Credit (UC) is a payment to help with your living costs, including rent payments. It's usually paid monthly, but can be paid more frequently depending on circumstances.
Whether you can claim UC depends on where you live and your circumstances. Check out if you’re eligible for UC.
As of April 2018, if you’re claiming for Housing Benefit and move on to UC, you will receive an extra two weeks’ support with your rent, when you first claim, bridging the gap before it settles into a regular monthly payment cycle.
Usually, under UC, payments to help with your rent will be paid directly to you and not to your landlord. However if you’re currently behind with your rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA).
Depending on your circumstances, you could get an APA to:
get your rent paid directly to your landlord
get paid more frequently than once a month
receive split payments, if you’re part of a couple
Speak with your work coach about applying for an APA. If you’re in social housing, your landlord may also be able to support you with the application.
Your local council may also be able to help with certain aspects of your housing costs.
You may be able to get a reduction in your Council Tax or you may be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your Universal Credit payment isn’t enough to pay your rent.
If you're a new Universal Credit claimant and living in temporary accommodation, you will be able to claim Housing Benefit directly from your council for support with these costs.
