1. The Latest Changes for Universal Credit
The key important facts for each change

2. Abolishing Waiting Days
From: 14th February 2018
For: All new (re)claims
Abolishing Waiting Days
What you need to know
In 2015 a seven day waiting period was introduced for Universal Credit.
From 14th February 2018 these waiting days have been removed.
This is a response, in part, to criticism that claimants found it difficult to manage for six weeks before their first payment.
With waiting days now abolished, claimants will only wait five weeks for their first payment.
This will benefit around 750,000 claimants each year, with an average household gaining £160.
All references to waiting days have been removed from GOV.UK content.
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3. Increasing Universal Credit advances
From: January 2018
For: New claims, change of circs & benefit transfers.
Increasing Universal Credit advances
What you need to know
The maximum amount for Universal Credit new claim and benefit transfer advances will be increased from up to 50% to up to 100% of the Universal Credit claimant’s estimated first payment.
This can be discussed with a work coach, requested via the journal if the claimant has an online account, or if the claimant does not (live service), they can call
More Details:
A new page to spread awareness of this is available on GOV.UK: advance-first-payment
More detailed guidance (including debt recovery options) is available here:
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4. Extending the repayment time for Universal Credit advances
From: January 2018
For: Any claimant with an advance
Extending the repayment time for Universal Credit advances
What you need to know
Now that claimants can request up to 100% of their estimated reward, we are also extending the period of repayment of Universal Credit from 6 months to 12 months. Claimants are able to take up to double the amount, so therefore they should be able to have double the time to repay this money back.
More Details:
A new page to spread awareness of this is available on GOV.UK: advance-first-payment
More detailed guidance (including debt recovery options) is available here:
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5. Claiming a Universal Credit Advance online
From: Spring 2018
For: All claimants with an online account
Claiming a Universal Credit Advance online
What You Need To Know
From Spring 2018 claimants will be able to apply for an advance using their online account.
They will be able to do this once after they have submitted their claim.
The design for this is not yet finalised and so we will update you in the future on this.
More Details:
A walkthrough will be placed on our YouTube channel Universal Credit in Action when completed.
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6. Introducing a housing benefit run on for Universal Credit
From: 11th April 2018
For: All first time claimants
Introducing a housing benefit run on for Universal Credit
What you need to know
If a claimant received housing benefit before claiming UC, they will receive a two week run on of this payment when they make a claim.
The payment is made by the local authority.
The extra 2 weeks of housing benefit will not be taken into account as income and will not reduce the first UC payment.
Claimants do not need to claim these extra 2 weeks – they will be paid automatically when you claim.
If housing benefit is paid directly to a claimant, they will also get this paid directly to them too.
Claimants can only get the housing benefit run on once – the first time they claim UC.
More Details:
The UC Housing Guide is updated to reflect these changes – with a specific new page for this topic:
2.3 million claimants will benefit from this, with £230 being the average household gain.
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7. From: December 2017
For: All claimants
Making it easier for claimants to get a Managed Payment to a Landlord (MPTL)
What you need to know
Staff guidance has been updated to encourage more budgeting conversations at the beginning of a new claim.
This means that Work Coaches can identify claimants who may benefit for a MPTL.
Landlords can now access the UC47 form online via GOV.UK.
More Details:
You can access the UC47 form quickly using:
The UC47 forms have also been updated to clarify some points.
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8. Changes for claimants in Temporary Accommodation
From: 11th April 2018
For: Claimants in Temporary Accommodation
Changes for claimants in Temporary Accommodation
What you need to know
Claimants who move into Temporary Accommodation whilst claiming UC will no longer receive the housing element of UC. They will receive housing benefit instead..
This will be the process for both new claims and also for any change of circumstances that move a claimant into Temporary Accommodation during their claim.
If a change of circumstance occurs, it may leave a claimant with a shortfall to pay, as the housing element would be turned off for the entire assessment period despite there possibly being a rent liability for part of that period. In this case, the claimant can request a Discretionary Housing Payment from the local authority.
More Details:
More details will be available for this on launch on the GOV.UK UC housing guide (11th April)
GOV.UK’s PBS and APA pages will also be updated to reflect the changes.
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9. Managed Payment to Landlord applications
Private Landlords can now apply for a Managed Payment to Landlord for housing costs without the explicit consent of the claimant, which was previously required
They can apply because there are rent arrears, or because the claimant is considered vulnerable and unlikely to be able to pay
They can apply on a form UC47 on Gov.uk: By secure e mail or post
The claimant has 7 days to challenge the request: e.g. where the claimant is in dispute with the landlord
If no challenge after 7 days then the landlord’s application will be approved
Landlords can call free on and escalate any issues