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<p>Research shows that many people come onto Universal Credit with pre-existing rent
arrears.</p><p>We also know that arrears are usually temporary and the majority of
claimants do succeed in paying their rent, managing their monthly payments and clearing
their arrears over time. In our research, the proportion of Universal Credit claimants
who were in arrears at the start of their claim fell by a third after four months.</p><p>We
have made changes to help people financially until their first payment. Advances are
available to provide financial support and these can now be repaid over a course of
12 months and can consist of up to 100 per cent of the indicative monthly award. We
have also abolished waiting days and now provide 2 weeks of housing support to claimants
moving to Universal Credit from Housing Benefit.</p><p> </p>
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