💷 Universal Credit – What Tenants Need to Know

Universal Credit helps people with living costs, including rent. If you get Universal Credit, here’s what you need to know:

📢 Tell Universal Credit About Changes

If your rent goes up or down, you must tell the Universal Credit office straight away.
We cannot do this for you.

If you don’t tell them, you might get paid too much—and you’ll have to pay it back.

Also tell them about any other changes in your life.
👉 Find out how to report changes

🧾 How to Claim

• How to claim Universal Credit
• How to claim Local Council Tax Support
• Use the benefits calculator on gov.uk

👶 Universal Credit – Two Children Rule

If you claim the wrong benefit, you might not get all the money you should.

You can claim Universal Credit if you have:

• 1 child
• 2 children
• No children

If you have 3 or more children, you can only claim Universal Credit if:

• You had Universal Credit in the last 6 months and are claiming again
• You are now single and claiming within 1 month of a joint claim ending

If you’re new to Universal Credit and have more than 2 children, you’ll need to apply for:

• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Other benefits you may be entitled to

💡 Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA)

Universal Credit is paid once a month to help with budgeting.
If you’re struggling, you might be able to get help through APA.

You could:

• Get your rent paid directly to us
• Get paid more often
• Get split payments if you’re part of a couple

📞 Contact the Housing Rents Team to ask about APA.

🏠 Paying Your Rent

If you have questions about your rent or payments:

📧 Email: RentsTeam@tendringdc.gov.uk
📞 Speak to your arrears officer or the rents team

We can:

• Help you understand your money
• Work with you to avoid debt
• Offer a confidential appointment

📄 Download a budget form

💰 Extra Help

We may be able to help with:

• Discretionary Housing Payments
• Exceptional Hardship Payments (for rent or council tax)

Talk to your arrears officer or the rents team to see if you can apply.