Those who claim Universal Credit have been encouraged to report any hikes in rent payments to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This comes as many anticipate an increase in housing costs in the new financial year, while Universal Credit payments are set to stay the same.
Universal Credit is paid arrears, meaning it needs a full four-week assessment period after the annual rise came into effect on April 10. As a result, those who claim the cash won't see the new rates applied to their payments until at least May 16.
Some may not even get the increase until June, reports Birmingham Live. A number of local authorities have now spoken out and urged tenants to tell the DWP the details of any rent changes.
