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Rent help for Caerphilly Homes tenants

Posted on : 17 Oct 2024

Rent help for Caerphilly Homes tenants
Caerphilly Homes tenants impacted by the roll out of Universal Credit will soon be able to apply for a rent hardship grant to prevent them falling into arrears.

Cabinet members at Caerphilly County Borough Council unanimously approved plans to implement the grant, which will be used to protect vulnerable contract holders affected this year by the Universal Credit week 53 rules.

Universal Credit is replacing Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Working Tax Credit.  Claimants will not be moved automatically.  Those affected will receive a letter providing instructions on how and when to apply.

There is a difference between payment cycles for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.  Universal Credit is paid only over 52 weeks, but Housing Benefit is paid over 53 weeks in a year that has 53 weeks (generally every 5-6 years).  This means those receiving Universal Credit will not receive a payment in week 53 this year but will still owe a week’s rent.

Cllr Shayne Cook, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “The move to Universal Credit will be a concern for many of our tenants.  We are working to support tenants through this transition and the hardship grant will further alleviate the impact on our most vulnerable.”

Further information on the roll out of Universal Credit can be found here.  Caerphilly Homes tenants requiring support with the move to Universal Credit can contact the Housing Support Team on 01443 811450 or email tenancysupportoffice@caerphilly.gov.uk.

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