Further information on UC shortfalls and rent arrears

Shelter has additional guidance on universal credit (UC) and housing costs

A frequent cause of rent arrears is where a client has a shortfall between the amount of universal credit they are receiving for their housing costs and the actual rent they owe.

Rent arrears

Find out more about advising a social tenant with rent arrears with Shelter's guide.

Challenging a UC decision or getting it changed

Find out more about ways to challenge a universal credit decision on Shelter Legal. This page provides information to help your client seek a reconsideration or appeal of a universal credit decision.

Find out more about universal credit and changes in circumstances on Shelter Legal for advice on reporting changes in circumstances and when a change of circumstances can be backdated.

Financial assistance when there is a shortfall

Where your client is in receipt of universal credit's housing costs element but it does not cover the full rent, the local housing authority will sometimes be willing to offer discretionary housing payments of a temporary basis which may buy your client some time. The payments can also be used to help with deposit or rent in advance when moving to a more affordable property.

Find out more about discretionary housing payments on Shelter Legal.