Drop in session for benefit support and advice

Do you receive Universal Credit (UC) or Housing Benefit (HB)? If you do, you’ll need to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) know that your rent has increased, or you might end up paying the incorrect rent or have your UC or HB stopped altogether.

 

It’s also important to tell DWP at the right time. If you receive Housing Benefit, you need to tell them about any rent increases right away, by contacting the benefits department at your local council.
 
 However, Universal Credit is different; you have to wait until the actual date of the rent increase that’s stated in the letter we send you.

 

To notify UC about your rent changes, you need to sign into your online account, and update your housing costs. All the information you’ll need is in the letter we send to you in February. If you don’t have an online account, call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644. Remember to have your rent letter to hand.

 

Do this on the day your rent changes, which is stated in your letter, or before the end of your monthly assessment period. We recommend keeping your letter in a safe place and putting a reminder in your phone or calendar and doing it on the day.

 

If you need help, we’re here for you. Call in to Railway House on Monday 7 April 10am to 2pm where our Tenancy Sustainment Team will be happy to help.