How will your rent be paid?

 

Your rent, will be included within your Universal Credit payment, shown as “Housing Cost”, this will be paid directly to you. However, you can request to have your rent paid directly to your landlord through your Universal Credit account. Please note, even if you request your “Housing Cost” to go directly to your landlord, this will not take effect until the second Universal Credit payment. Therefore, it’s important to pay your rent from your first payment.

Monthly Assessment Period

Your Universal Credit is paid in arrears, on a monthly basis in a single payment. You can however, request via your account for your payment to be split into 2 over the month). Your personal circumstances will be assessed, such as your earnings, number of children, caring responsibilities, and any health conditions to decide your monthly entitlement.

Your first assessment period will start on the day you make your Universal Credit claim. The assessment period will always run for 1 calendar month. You will usually receive your first payment 7 days  after the end of your assessment period. For example –You make a claim on 7th March, your monthly assessment period will then run from the 7th March, until the 6th April and you will receive your first payment on 13th April. You will then receive your Universal Credit payment on the 13th of each month and your monthly assessment period will always run from the 7th to the 6th of each month. Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your assessment period. You should report a change of circumstances to get the correct payment.
Your First Payment It will take around 5 weeks until you receive your first payment of Universal Credit. If you are unable to manage until then, you can apply for an advance payment. Please note, that you will need to pay back your advance at an agreed amount from your on-going payments. To apply for an advance you can

  • Apply through your online account
  • Speak to your Job Centre Plus work coach
  • Call the Universal Credit helpline – 0800 328 5644

Other Financial Support Please get in touch with our Financial Inclusion Team who will be able to provide support and access other funds to help you manage until your first payment is received.

Support they can provide includes:-

  • Check eligibility and apply for a “Crisis Grant” from your local authority area to help manage essential living costs
  • Potentially access emergency fuel top-ups
  • Make foodbank referrals

Please email the Financial Inclusion Team on referrals@aha.org.ukOr call the main office – 03451 772244 and ask to speak to a member of our team.