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<p>The Universal Credit award is calculated to reflect the claimant’s circumstances
at the end of their assessment period. To do this, we treat all changes as applying
from the beginning of the assessment period in which they take place (if reported
in the assessment period within which they occurred). The award for that month is
therefore wholly at the new rate. This reflects the claimant’s circumstances at the
point of payment, and will better anticipate their needs over the forthcoming month.</p><p>
</p><p>This principle applies to all elements of Universal Credit. For example, if
a new child is born part way through an assessment period, we apply the change to
the whole month, not from the date the child was born.</p><p> </p><p>Claimants can
easily notify the Department of any changes that might incur within an assessment
period using their online account, telephone and speak to their Work Coach face to
face in a Jobcentre.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, existing Universal Credit claimants
who have told the Department about a change in their circumstances, which means more
Universal Credit is owed, may also apply for an advance payment. There are also discretionary
housing payments in place to support those who require support meeting their rent
costs.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics on the housing element of Universal Credit are published
and can be found at:</p><p><a href="https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/" target="_blank">https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/
</a></p><p> </p><p>Guidance for users is available at:</p><p><a href="https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html"
target="_blank">https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html
</a></p><p> </p>
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