Getting the housing part of Universal Credit paid direct to your landlord

Direct answer

The DWP can pay the housing part of your Universal Credit straight to your landlord, not to you. This is called an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA). It is asked for by you, your landlord, or your support worker. If you have ever struggled to keep on top of rent, or you have arrears building up, ask the DWP for one. It can stop an eviction in its tracks.

When an APA is right

An APA is normally arranged when a tenant has one of these markers. You only need one:

• Mental-health condition that affects money handling.
• Learning disability.
• Drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
• Recent homelessness or rough sleeping.
• Domestic abuse.
• Recent leaving care, prison or hospital.
• Severe debt, including rent arrears of two months or more.
• A pattern of missed rent payments since starting Universal Credit.

You do not need a diagnosis. You can self-declare. The DWP work coach decides.

What an APA actually does

It splits your Universal Credit into two payments:

• The housing element goes direct to your landlord.
• The rest still comes to you in your normal monthly payment.

You stay in charge of the claim. The landlord cannot see anything else about your money. The APA can be temporary (a few months while you stabilise) or last as long as you need it.

How to ask

You can do any of these:

1. Tell your work coach at your next Jobcentre appointment.
2. Add a journal note in your Universal Credit account titled "Request for APA, housing element."
3. Phone the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
4. Have your landlord (or support worker, or family member) ask on your behalf with your permission.

If the housing-association or council landlord asks, the DWP often agrees quickly. If a private landlord asks, it still works but takes a bit longer.

What to include in the journal note

Keep it short, specific, and personal. For example:

"I want to set up an Alternative Payment Arrangement so the housing element of my Universal Credit goes direct to my landlord. The reason is [your reason]. My rent is £[amount] per month, paid to [landlord name]. Their account details are [if you have them]. Please contact me to confirm."

Do not over-explain. Do not list every issue you have. One clear reason is enough.

If you are refused

You can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a Mandatory Reconsideration. Add a journal note saying you want one, and explain why you think the APA should be granted. If still refused, you can appeal to a tribunal.

You can also go via your local council. Their welfare-rights team can support an APA request, and many councils have local agreements with the DWP.

How it stops eviction

If you are in rent arrears and the landlord is threatening to evict you on Section 8 ground 8 (two months' arrears), an APA changes the picture. The rent gets paid every month from now on, and you can clear arrears separately through a deduction agreement. Many landlords pause possession action once the APA is in place. See what is Section 8 eviction.

Talk to us if disrepair is in the picture

If you have been falling behind on rent because of disrepair (broken heating, mould you cannot live with, a flat you have moved out of and into temporary accommodation), the APA solves the rent problem, but you may still have a disrepair claim. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.

Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim

Sources

• Welfare Reform Act 2012 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Universal Credit (GOV.UK)