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<p>The Department for Work and Pensions recognises that vulnerable claimants may need
additional support managing their money. Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) are
available to help Universal Credit (UC) claimants have their award paid differently.
This can involve housing costs being paid directly to a claimant’s landlord, receiving
twice monthly instead of monthly payments and/or having the UC award split between
two members of a couple.</p><p> </p><p>APAs can be considered at any point during
the UC claim. Crucially, these arrangements are intended only for vulnerable claimants
who need targeted, additional support in managing their money – for example, claimants
with dependency issues, learning difficulties, significant debts and/or victims of
domestic abuse.</p><p> </p><p>The Department already publicises APAs. UC work coaches
have clear guidance to help them identify when an APA may be appropriate and will
always consider any APA that would best support the claimant. Identifying vulnerabilities
is a key element of the work coach role and allows the Department to tailor the support
it offers to each claimant. In addition, landlords and support organisations are aware
of this provision and can request an APA be considered at any time for claimants they
are supporting. GOV.UK also includes APAs as part of the additional financial support
available to UC claimants</p>
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