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Universal Credit: updating rent and service charges
Let Universal Credit know when your rent and service charge change
Read our guidance below to make sure you are receiving the correct amount of Universal Credits.
These changes will happen on 1 April for monthly tenancies and 3 April for weekly tenancies. If you are late reporting changes, Universal Credit won’t usually backdate them, and you could lose out on money you are entitled to.
You must complete the following on the dates below:
- For customers on a monthly tenancy, you should complete this on or soon after 1 April
- For customers who are charged weekly, you should complete this on or soon after 3 April
Date of change
You will be asked if your housing costs change on 3 April 2023.
As a Home Group customer, you will answer "Yes" to this question.
If you're not sure, you will have been sent a letter from us with the date of change from us.
Changes to your rent
Next, you will be asked if your rent is still charged weekly or monthly.
The timings of when you pay your rent will not have changed so you can answer "Yes" to this.
Changes to your service charges
Lastly, you will be asked if you are still charged weekly or monthly for your service charges.
The frequency you pay your service charge will not have changed, so answer "Yes".
Then confirm the amount of your new service charges per week or month. Again, you can get this information from your annual rent change letter recently sent to you.
When will the changes to my rent and service charges be verified?
Verifications will be handled depending on the due date of the request. This will be based on when the changes to your rent and service charges have been submitted and when your next payment is due.
You do not need to contact us to verify your rent.
How will I know when the charge has been verified?
Once we verify the change you will be notified through your journal on your Universal Credit account.
What can I do if I find it difficult to pay my rent?
If you are struggling to make ends meet, we are here to help you get back on track in any way we can.
Our trained advisers can give you the help and support you need. The sooner you talk to us, the sooner we can help.
Chat with our team on live chat or call us on 0345 1414663. We also have lots of advice on our money, benefits and wellbeing support page.
How is the government helping with cost of living increases?
You could qualify for £900 in cash support if you receive means tested benefits such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- tax credits
There is also £150 available if you qualify for disability payments and £300 for pensioners.
Here are some dates to look out for:
- Spring 2023: first cost of living payment of £301
- Summer 2023: disability payment of £150
- Autumn 2023: second cost of living payment of £300
- Winter 2023: pensioner payment of £300
- Spring 2024: third cost of living payment £299
What if I don't know my rent changes?
You would have recently received a letter from us detailing the changes to your rent. If you can’t find this information, please get in touch.
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