From August 20, the way that deductions are made from Universal Credit to cover the cost of the Weekly Maintenance Charge will be changing.
Under the current rules claimants of Universal Credit are, in certain circumstances, allowed to agree to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlords under the Alternative Payment Arrangement, however, the schedule for these payments (four-weekly cycle) did not match the schedule of the remaining Universal Credit payment (monthly cycle). This system has been found to create difficulties for both claimants and landlords.
The new system will bring both of this payments in line with each other so that claimants and landlord receive their payments on the same date.
- This change will only affect landlords who make use of the online Landlord Portal to manage payments.
- Payment information can be accessed via the portal to see information which will enable them to more effectively support beneficiaries who are experiencing difficult circumstances.
- Those who will be affected by the change should be contacted prior to the system going live and should be provided with detailed guidance on the changes.
More information on these payments can be found here.
If any of the guidance is not clear or you would like further support, please do not hesitate to contact The Almshouse Association and we will endeavour to help.
Posted 27 July 2020