6.8.1 In such circumstances, tenants will be required to submit a separate claim for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to cover the shortfall. DHP claims are administered by Glasgow City Council. 6.8.2 The Scottish Government intend to abolish the above reductions (Social Size Criteria) though the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. 6.9 Universal Credit is assessed monthly and paid monthly in arrears. The payment should usually be received 1 month and 7 days after a claim is made. 6.10 In situations where tenants who are being moved onto UC are already claiming Housing Benefit, they will receive an additional two weeks Housing Benefit to assist with the transition over to UC. 6.11 Claimants can ask for a Credit New Claim Advance’ if they are in ‘Universal financial need and are unable to manage until their first monthly payment is received. This will be recoverable from future UC payments, normally over a twelve month period. 6.12 Where tenants are being moved onto UC, the DWP are expected to notify the Association. This will in turn allow the Association to contact the tenant to advise of available support and if required, confirm the payment amount. We will also discuss rent payment options with the tenant. 6.13 UC can be paid on two homes if: Liability for two homes has arisen because of fear of violence in the normal home. In this case, both rents can be paid for up to 12 months as long as there is an intention to return to the original property; A disabled person can’t move into a new home because it needs adaptations. In this case, the claimant must show that the delay is reasonable and if so, both rents can be paid for up to 1 month; or Someone cannot move into accommodation immediately because they are in hospital or a care home then the UC additional amount for housing costs can be paid on the new accommodation for up to 1 month. 7.0 UNIVERSAL CREDIT SUPPORT 7.1 The Association’s Financial Inclusion Service and Money Advice Service is available to all Spire View households and helps tenants to submit benefit claims; identify any other unclaimed benefits; challenge DWP sanctions; check benefit awards and provide representation at benefit appeal hearings. The service’s overall aim is to maximise household incomes, which in turn assists tenants’ ability to pay their rent.
6.8.1 In such circumstances, tenants will be required to submit a separate claim for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to cover the shortfall. DHP claims are administered by Glasgow City Council. 6.8.2 The Scottish Government intend to abolish the above reductions (Social Size Criteria) though the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. 6.9 Universal Credit is assessed monthly and paid monthly in arrears. The payment should usually be received 1 month and 7 days after a claim is made. 6.10 In situations where tenants who are being moved onto UC are already claiming Housing Benefit, they will receive an additional two weeks Housing Benefit to assist with the transition over to UC. 6.11 Claimants can ask for a ‘Universal Credit New Claim Advance’ if they are in financial need and are unable to manage until their first monthly payment is received. This will be recoverable from future UC payments, normally over a twelve month period. 6.12 Where tenants are being moved onto UC, the DWP are expected to notify the Association. This will in turn allow the Association to contact the tenant to advise of available support and if required, confirm the payment amount. We will also discuss rent payment options with the tenant. 6.13 UC can be paid on two homes if: Liability for two homes has arisen because of fear of violence in the normal home. In this case, both rents can be paid for up to 12 months as long as there is an intention to return to the original property; A disabled person can’t move into a new home because it needs adaptations. In this case, the claimant must show that the delay is reasonable and if so, both rents can be paid for up to 1 month; or Someone cannot move into accommodation immediately because they are in hospital or a care home then the UC additional amount for housing costs can be paid on the new accommodation for up to 1 month. 7.0 UNIVERSAL CREDIT SUPPORT 7.1 The Association’s Financial Inclusion Service and Money Advice Service is available to all Spire View households and helps tenants to submit benefit claims; identify any other unclaimed benefits; challenge DWP sanctions; check benefit awards and provide representation at benefit appeal hearings. The service’s overall aim is to maximise household incomes, which in turn assists tenants’ ability to pay their rent.
Universal-Credit-Policy.docx