The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that customers who receive Universal Credit will need to pay an extra week’s rent in March 2025. This is despite Curo campaigning alongside the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations, to ask the DWP to change a rule behind the additional payment.
The payment is due because in a normal year Universal Credit pays for 52 weeks of rent. There are 52 Mondays in a normal year, meaning 52 weekly charges. But every five to six years, there are 53 Mondays in a year instead. 2024/25 is one of those years. The issue is that Universal Credit payments only recognise 52 weeks of rent. Customers on Universal Credit will need to pay this extra week themselves.
If you receive Universal Credit, please contact us. Our Money Advice team has access to grants and funds that can help you pay for this extra week. Don’t wait until next year, get in touch now so that we can find you a solution and put your mind at rest. Call us on 01225 366000, or email: customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk.