Paying universal credit direct to a landlord

You can ask for your universal credit housing element to be paid straight to your landlord if you:

• find it hard to budget

• miss rent payments

This is sometimes called:

• a direct rent payment

• an alternative payment arrangement

• a managed payment to landlord

How to ask for direct rent payments

You can:

• call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644

• ask in your online UC journal or at a jobcentre appointment

You can do this when you apply for UC or any time after.

What to tell the DWP

Tell the DWP if you have:

• been in care

• problems with addiction

• experienced domestic abuse

• been evicted for rent arrears

• at least 2 months' rent arrears

• serious debts without a repayment plan

• been homeless or living in temporary housing

• a mental health condition or learning disability

These are not the only situations the DWP should look at. Tell them if there are other problems.

Get supporting information from people like your landlord, family or support worker.

For example, emails from your landlord which show you have rent arrears.

The DWP might offer you budgeting support.

How long direct rent payments last

The DWP reviews your situation as time goes on.

There is usually a review if you move home or your income changes.

If you disagree with a decision

Ask your work coach again. You can also ask for a review if they refuse.

When your landlord can ask for a direct rent payment

Your landlord can ask to be paid direct if you owe at least 2 months' rent.

They can also ask for deductions from your benefit to pay off arrears.

The DWP does not ask you for permission if your landlord wants direct rent payments or deductions for rent arrears.

You can give them evidence if you disagree that you owe 2 months' rent.

Find out how to deal with rent arrears.