New DWP processes to ensure claimants in ‘untidy tenancies’ get correct housing costs

The National Housing Federation reports that the DWP has introduced a new ‘to-do’ in the journal to ensure tenants in untidy tenancies get the right rent apportionment. The DWP advises -

On 23 June 2020 a new ‘Record a change in joint tenancy costs’ to-do was introduced to Universal Credit Full Service, which ensures cases are automatically correctly paid each month without the need for manual payments or continued claimant intervention. New guidance has been issued to Work Coaches and Case Managers to make them aware of the changes.

The new to-do allows agents to record how many tenants live in the property and the amount of rent/service charge the claimant pays. This ensures that that both absent joint tenant (Untidy Tenancy) or unequal apportionment of rent within a housing costs support claim are paid correctly. A claimant can report this in their journal or phone. If the claimant declares new housing costs they will need to inform us again of their circumstances. The claimant will get a journal message to tell them this.

The new guidance can be found here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/universal_credit_agent_led_proce?nocache=incoming-1672757#incoming-1672757