DWP Responds To Universal Credit Payment Concerns

The DWP is to make changes to the process by which social landlords apply for ‘alternative payment arrangements’ under universal credit for tenants who are not paying their rent. Under universal credit, housing benefit is paid to tenants directly, but in some circumstances landlords can apply to the DWP to have the benefit paid to them under an APA, which can be put in place where a claimant is vulnerable or in existing debt, or if two months’ worth of arrears accrue. However social landlords in four ‘pathfinder’ areas in the north west of England have complained of delays to APA requests, poor communication from the DWP and instances of the department failing to acknowledge requests. The DWP has now agreed to make changes, including bringing in a standard form for APA requests. Read more on Inside Housing.