Cadwyn charges your rent on a weekly basis with payments calculated on Mondays. Usually, there are 52 weeks in a year, but in the 2024/25 financial year there will be 53 Mondays. Despite this, the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) have confirmed that only 52 weeks of housing costs will be paid to Universal Credit claimants. This means tenants in-receipt of Universal Credit will need to pay the additional week of rent shortfall to Cadwyn.

Read our FAQs below to find out more

Why is this year different?

A 53-week rent year happens every five or six years due to how the calendar falls and means that there are 53 individual Mondays in the financial year between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

What does it mean for me?

Housing costs via Universal Credit are calculated over a 52 week basis per financial year for claimants. If you pay your housing costs via Universal Credit, you’ll need to pay the shortfall of the additional week to ensure all 53 weeks of rent are paid.

What if I’m still claiming Housing Credit instead of Universal Credit?

If you pay your rent via Housing Credit, you won’t be affected as payments for this benefit are still calculated by the DWP on a monthly basis.

What if I don’t claim any housing related benefits?

If you don’t claim any housing related benefits, you won’t need to take any action and can continue to pay your scheduled rent via your usual method.

Even if you don’t claim housing related benefits, you can still contact us for support if you’re worried about paying your rent via the contact details below.

What can I do if I’m unhappy with paying the 53rd week?

We completely understand that this is very disappointing news. Unfortunately, as the DWP have confirmed they won’t contribute to the extra cost you’ll still be responsible and liable to pay the extra week of rent which Universal Credit will not cover. If you don’t pay, you’ll end up in rent arrears.

Cadwyn always aims to work collaboratively with tenants in arrears and we’re here to help. Please click the “What support is available?” FAQ below to see the support available and remember to talk to us if you have any concerns. It’s always better to talk to us as early as possible if you’re finding it hard to pay your rent.

What support is available?

Cadwyn’s dedicated Rents Team & Communities Resilience Team are here to help. Our Rent Officers can explore ways of paying any owed or upcoming rent, while our Communities Resilience Team can help you to deal with any money problems you may be having with free advice and information. This includes ways to make the most of your money, balance your budget, and maximise your income.

Please call us on 029 2049 8898 or email info@cadwyn.co.uk if you would like to talk.

How do I get in touch if I have more questions?

You can reach our friendly Customer Service Team between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on 029 2049 8898 or by emailing info@cadwyn.co.uk.