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<p>In the financial year 2024-25 social housing tenants will face 52 weekly rent payment
days so Universal Credit will make provision for the exact amount of their liability.</p><p>
</p><p>Universal Credit always converts weekly amounts to monthly sums using 52 weeks.
This may lead to a slight advantage to the claimant when converting weekly incomes
and to a slight disadvantage when dealing with outgoings. The system is used because
it is simple to operate and understand. The department has considered alternative
options for those with weekly tenancies, but each have their own limitations and disadvantages
for claimants and so there are no plans to change.</p><p> </p><p>The legitimacy of
this calculation formula in Universal Credit was confirmed by the High Court in 2020
who found it to be neither irrational or discriminatory.</p><p> </p><p>Discretionary
Housing Payments can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element
of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Since 2011,
the government has provided nearly £1.7 billion in Discretionary Housing Payments
to local authorities.</p>
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