53-Week Year | What it Means for Universal Credit Rent Payments
Did you know that this financial year that started on 1 April 2024 is a 53-week year?
A typical year is only 52 weeks, but this is not the case in this financial year, as there will be 53 Mondays.
When deciding how much Universal Credit (UC) should be allocated to an individual, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate monthly rent by multiplying a week's rent by 48, 50 or 52 weeks, dependant on an individual's tenancy. They would then divide this by 12. This is the case even when there is an extra week in the year.
This means that your monthly UC payments will not cover the monthly rent in 2024. So, you will need to work out the shortfall and pay this.
Example:
WEEK 48 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 49 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £408.33
WEEK 50 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 51 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £425
WEEK 52 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 53 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £441.67
We are here to help so if you are unsure what this means for you please get in touch with us on 02392 545665
Further information about help and support can be found here: Cost of living hub | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to do if I am on Universal Credit?
What do I need to do if I pay by Direct Debit?
What if I pay by monthly standing order?
What can I do if I am not happy about Universal Credit not covering the 53rd week?
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