Universal Credit in the North West
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Universal Credit is a new benefit being introduced by the Government, replacing six existing benefits and providing a monthly payment to households. It is the biggest current threat to landlord income. Its rollout is slow, and this allows housing associations the opportunity to prepare for its introduction.
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Universal Credit in the North West
- 1. Sue Ramsden, Policy Leader, National Housing Federation Universal Credit overview
- 3. Housing Benefit Under Universal Credit Non-dependant deductions (NDD): six separate rates varying by income and under 25s on benefit are exempt. One, flat-rate Housing Cost Contribution (HCC) per month. All under 21s are exempt from HCC. Non-dependants: couples get one room between them. They pay the NDD unless both are exempt. Each adult non-dependent gets a room. Each pays the HCC unless exempt. Lodgers get a room but income is taken into account and deducted pound for pound from benefit apart from first £20. No room allowance so there may be a deduction for the size critera but any income from lodgers is disregarded. In non-couple joint tenancy cases the deduction is apportioned between the joint tenants Bedroom tax not applied in non-couple joint-tenancy cases. Protection from size criteria if member of the household dies for up to 52 weeks. Benefits run-on for 3 months (ie household UC continues to be calculated in the same way as prior to death) . 13 week protection where the tenant could previously afford the rent and Housing Benefit has not been claimed in the last 52 weeks. Size criteria applies immediately.
- 4. Alternative payment arrangements Managed payment (to landlord) Split payment More frequent payment
- 5. UC payments Universal Credit claimants will: • ‘Set’ pay date each month • Receive their initial payment seven days after the end of their assessment period • From that point onwards they will receive their payment on the same date each month, with a cut-off date to notify DWP of changes of circumstance • If the pay day falls on weekends or bank holidays, the pay day will be advanced to the nearest working day • Amount will not vary according to number of days in month
- 7. Universal Credit entitlement UCmaximumamount Standard allowance + Housing element + Child Element / Disabled Child Additions + Childcare element (for those in work) + Limited Capability for WRA Element or Limited capability for work element + Carer Element UCEntitlement UC maximum amount – applicable capital – applicable income – earnings (taking into account disregards and tapers)
- 8. Housing element Liable rent and eligible service charges Minus Any under- occupation deduction Minus any Housing Cost Contribution (HCC) from non- dependants For social sector tenants the housing element will be:
- 9. Universal Credit claimant journey I get information or advice about how to claim Universal Credit. I receive a telephone call inviting me to attend an interview in the jobcentre. I attend my interview at the jobcentre, taking along any paperwork that has been asked for. I sign my Claimant Commitment, which records the activities I’ve agreed to do in return for receiving Universal Credit. I receive my Universal Credit decision letter. It tells me when I will receive my payments, and confirms what I need to do in return for getting Universal Credit. I telephone the helpline if there is a change in my circumstances, including if I start work. My Claimant Commitment is reviewed and may be changed to take into account my new situation. I make my claim online at GOV.UK. If I need help, I can telephone the Universal Credit helpline for assistance. I receive a text message to remind me about my interview at the jobcentre. I begin looking for work. I can get advice on jobseeking, budgeting and going online from my work coach. I regularly visit the jobcentre where my work coach and I discuss the actions we’ve agreed in my Work Plan. If a change in my circumstances means my Universal Credit payments change, I receive a letter confirming the new details.
- 10. What will the tenant need to bring? Tenancy agreement Recent rent statement including service charge eligible for UC
- 12. Universal Credit timetable April 2014 • UC live in 10 sites Summer 2014 • Extended to couples in all live areas July 28th • End August: remaining North West roll out dates Autumn 2014 • Roll out to claimants with children 2016/17 • Migration of existing claims
- 13. Gareth Bevan, Policy Officer, National Housing Federation Universal Credit Twelve months in: learning from the Pathfinders
- 14. Structure of presentation • Scope of the research • How to prepare your organisation • Key issues emerging from UC Pathfinders in the North West • Recommendations to DWP • Top tips • What next?
- 15. Scope of the research • Research methodology • Solely evidence from associations • Anecdotal • Limited claimant numbers
- 16. Preparations • Communication, research and training • Products and services • Preparing staff • Changing internal processes
- 18. Emerging issues… Vulnerabilities and local support
- 20. Emerging issues… Alternative Payment Arrangements
- 23. Recommendations • Save function • Confirmation • PBS • APAs • Data sharing
- 24. Top tips • Relationships • Regular meetings • LSSF positioning • Processes
- 25. What next…? • Rollout plans • Ongoing research • Member engagement
- 26. Contact Sue Ramsden sue.ramsden@housing.org.uk 0207 067 1080 Gareth Bevan gareth.bevan@housing.org.uk 0161 873 9449