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delays in DWP setting up alternative payment arrangement
The National Housing Federation has called for an overhaul of universal credit switch-back rules in the wake of concerns from landlords -
‘If tenants fall two months behind with their rent ... landlords can apply to the DWP for an alternative payment arrangement. Under an APA, the payment of the housing costs part of universal credit is switched back to the landlord.
However, landlords applying for APAs in four ‘pathfinder’ areas in the north west of England have become increasingly frustrated at delays in getting the DWP to switch the payment of benefit to landlords.
When applying for an APA, landlords have to phone the DWP and wait for a callback before then putting a request in writing and waiting for a response.
They claim the process sometimes takes weeks, during which time tenants build up further rent arrears.
Landlords have also reported instances of the DWP failing to acknowledge APA requests or approvals, and switching claimants back to direct payment without informing the landlord.’