Welfare and Universal Credit

Major changes to the benefits system have come into force in the last few years, including the roll out of Universal Credit.

Housing associations have been working hard to support affected tenants through the changes and to adjust their own business planning. Alongside this, they make a significant contribution to reducing the welfare bill by providing employment and skills services, which help people off benefits and into sustainable work.

Read on for the latest updates on welfare reform, including information about Universal Credit, monitoring the impact of the reforms, and influencing the implementation of the reforms.

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Help your residents apply for Pension Credit this winter

Research shows that 880,000 pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit are not currently in receipt of the benefit, which is on average worth £3,900 per year.

Read our update below to find out how to help your residents access Pension Credit this winter, and download assets from the DWP.

Read our update

Contribute to our research

Our survey on Universal Credit and income collection allows us to track key measures and report quarterly on progress as the move to Universal Credit continues. The survey collects information about the numbers of tenants claiming Universal Credit and rent arrears amongst tenants paying by different means. It’s an important way to collect feedback on the service and allows us to communicate to government the impact of Universal Credit on housing associations and their tenants. In the coming months, it will also allow us to assess the impact of this year’s rent increase, different income collection practice, and support for tenants during the cost of living crisis.

Who to speak to

Patrick Merton-Jones, External Affairs Manager

020 7067 1041

Patrick.Merton-Jones@housing.org.uk

@PatrickMertonJ