1. This DWP guidance for social landlords relates to the treatment of service charges within the Universal Credit system.1 ‘Universal Credit: Service Charges – Guidance for Social Landlords – GOV.UK’ , accessed 16 February 2025 It was published 30 December 2019.
2. The guidance clarifies:
- which service charges are eligible for inclusion in a tenant’s Universal Credit payment,
- outlines the process for landlords and tenants to identify and report these charges, and
- details how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will handle disputed or excessive charges.
3. The core principle is that only reasonable charges directly related to the tenant’s accommodation and communal services are eligible.
4. Landlords are not mandated to provide a breakdown of eligible charges but are encouraged to do so to facilitate accurate Universal Credit claims by their tenants.
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