Universal Credit and Rent Payments

Universal Credit includes a housing cost element to help with rent. The amount you receive depends on whether you are renting privately or in social housing:

• Private tenants: The housing element is based on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for your area and the bedroom size you are entitled to. The LHA cap applies regardless of your actual rent — if your rent is higher, you make up the difference yourself.
• Social housing tenants: The housing element covers your eligible rent, subject to the bedroom tax (spare room subsidy deduction) if you have more bedrooms than you are assessed as needing.

Universal Credit is normally paid monthly in arrears. This means there is typically a five-week wait from when you first claim to receiving your first payment. An advance payment is available if you cannot manage during this period — you can request one when making your claim, and it is repaid through future Universal Credit payments.

Social housing tenants who are assessed as having more bedrooms than they need face a reduction in their housing element — commonly called the bedroom tax or spare room subsidy. The reduction is:

• 14% for one extra bedroom
• 25% for two or more extra bedrooms

You are assessed as needing one bedroom for each couple; one bedroom for each person aged 16 or over (unless a couple); one bedroom for two children of the same sex under 16; one bedroom for two children under 10 regardless of sex; and additional bedrooms for disabled children or carers who need a spare room.

If you are affected by the bedroom tax and cannot afford to make up the shortfall, apply to your council for a Discretionary Housing Payment. The council has discretion to make payments to cover the bedroom tax reduction, particularly in hardship cases or where you have a disability that requires a larger room.

Normally, Universal Credit housing element is paid directly to you, and you pay your landlord. This is different from the old Housing Benefit system where benefit could be paid directly to the landlord. However, Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) can be set up in certain circumstances:

• If you are two months or more in rent arrears
• If you have a history of money management problems
• If you are living in temporary accommodation
• If you are at risk of eviction

Either the claimant or the landlord can request an APA. Universal Credit service centres and work coaches can also trigger APAs. If an APA is in place, the housing element is paid directly to the landlord and you receive the remainder of your Universal Credit award.

If you are struggling to pay rent while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, contact your work coach about a hardship payment or advance, or seek emergency support from your local council.