DSSmove blog
Notes on the UC and Housing Benefit rental market, from the team behind DSSmove.
- Cold Weather Payments 2026: how to get £25 automatically this winter — If you claim Universal Credit and are not working, you could get £25 added to your payment automatically for every cold snap between November and March.
- How to get bursary money to help your teenager through college this year — If your teenager is 16 to 18 and starting college in England, their school has a fund to help with travel and equipment — here is how to ask before the November deadline.
- Social housing rent cap 2026: how much your landlord can raise your rent — From April 2026, councils and housing associations in England can raise rents by up to 4.8% — here is what the cap means for you and how to check your increase.
- How to use the new landlord register to check who you rent from — From December 2026, a new national register lets you check whether your landlord is properly signed up — here is when it reaches your area and what you can do with it.
- How an adult living in your home can reduce your UC housing payment — If another adult normally lives in your rented home, DWP may take £96.55 a month off your UC housing element. Here is how to check — and when you can ask for it to stop.
- How to get free priority energy support from your supplier this winter — Every energy supplier must run a free Priority Services Register. If you're on Universal Credit or have a health condition, sign up in minutes and get extra help this winter.
- How to get sick pay from your first day off work in 2026 — Since 6 April 2026, all employees can get Statutory Sick Pay from their first day off sick. Even low earners and part-time workers now qualify.
- Free work and training support for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit — From June 2026, every jobcentre in Great Britain must offer 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit a structured path into work, apprenticeships or training — the Youth Guarantee Journey.
- How to get your gas and electrical safety records from your landlord — Every private renter in England is entitled to copies of their landlord's annual gas safety record and 5-yearly electrical inspection report — here is how to ask for them.
- How to get a free food card if you are pregnant or have a young child on Universal Credit — If you are on Universal Credit and pregnant or have a child under 4, you may qualify for a prepaid card worth up to £8.50 a week to spend on food and milk.
- How to get free money from the Jobcentre to help you start work on Universal Credit — A free, non-repayable fund from the Jobcentre called the Flexible Support Fund can cover travel, childcare, a bicycle, or other costs when you start work on Universal Credit.
- How to get free energy improvements in your rented home through the Warm Homes Local Grant — Private renters with a household income of £36,000 or less and an EPC rating of D, E, F or G can get free insulation, solar panels or other energy upgrades — at no cost to you.
- Your electricity bill gets cheaper from 1 October — what the VAT cut means for you — From 1 October 2026, the 5% VAT on household electricity is removed until 31 March 2027. You do not need to do anything — the saving is automatic.
- How a free school breakfast club can save your family £450 a year — Over 2,700 primary schools in England now run free breakfast clubs — here is how to find out if your child qualifies and how to get a place.
- How to get your deposit back when you leave a private rented home — Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of agreeing deductions — and a free dispute service protects you if they try to keep too much.
- How to do a free benefits check this autumn — A free online check takes under 10 minutes and can show benefits you are missing. September is a good time to check — April 2026 changes may mean you can now get more.
- How to get free help if your letting agent has let you down — All letting agents in England must belong to a free official redress scheme. If yours has treated you badly, you can complain at no cost and get a binding decision.
- How to get free college meals for your teenager if you claim Universal Credit — From September 2026, all UC households qualify for free meals at college or sixth form in England — even if your earnings are above the old £7,400 limit. Here is how to apply.
- How to give your landlord notice — the 2-month rule every private renter needs to know in 2026 — Since 1 May 2026, private renters in England must give 2 months' written notice to leave. Here is how to time it right and keep your Universal Credit payments on track.
- How to get repairs done in your private rented home — and why it is safer to ask since May 2026 — Your landlord must by law keep the heating, plumbing, and structure in good repair. Since May 2026, you can ask without risking eviction — here is what to do.
- Your energy bill is going up in October — here is extra help you can get on benefits — Energy bills rise by 4% from 1 October 2026. If you claim Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit, automatic support is available this winter to help cut the extra cost.
- How breathing space can give you 60 days to sort out rent arrears without losing your home — If you fall behind on rent, a free government scheme called breathing space gives you up to 60 days free from debt action — and normally stops eviction for arrears.
- How new funding for 70,000 social homes could help you find a genuinely affordable rental — The government has announced £9.58 billion for 73,600 new social and affordable homes in England — at least 60% will be Social Rent, the cheapest option for people on low incomes.
- How a major PIP review aims to make assessments less stressful — and what it means for you — The first comprehensive review of PIP since 2013 found the assessment needs to change. Here is what the review means for your current claim and what might improve.
- How to challenge a Universal Credit decision you think is wrong — If DWP makes a wrong decision about your benefits, you have the right to challenge it for free — here is how mandatory reconsideration works.
- Private rents are rising — here is what it means if you claim Universal Credit — Private rents in England rose 3.8% to July 2026, but LHA rates — the cap on your UC housing element — are frozen until at least April 2027. Here is what to do if a gap appears.
- How to use the free Housing Ombudsman service if your social landlord ignores you — If your council or housing association landlord ignores repairs or treats you poorly, the free Housing Ombudsman can order them to fix things and pay compensation.
- How a credit union can help you borrow and save on benefits — A credit union can lend you money at a fraction of what a payday lender charges — and 2026 reforms mean more people on benefits can now join one.
- How to ask Universal Credit to pay your rent straight to your landlord — If managing your Universal Credit rent payment is hard, you can ask DWP to send it directly to your landlord — no arrears needed.
- How to get free summer holiday activities and food for your children — If your child qualifies for benefits-related free school meals, they can get free activities and a hot meal every day at local holiday clubs through the HAF programme.
- Winter Fuel Payment 2026: check you qualify before 27 September — Most people over State Pension age get up to £300 towards energy bills this winter. The qualifying week is 21 to 27 September 2026 — act now.
- The Warm Home Discount qualifying date is this Sunday — here is what to check — To get £150 off your electricity bill this winter, you need to be on a qualifying benefit on 23 August 2026 — five days away. Here is what to check before Sunday.
- How much you can save without it affecting your Universal Credit — If you claim Universal Credit, you can have up to £6,000 in savings before your payments are affected. This guide explains the rules clearly.
- How to keep your Child Benefit when your teenager finishes school this summer — Child Benefit stops automatically on 31 August unless you tell HMRC your teenager is staying in full-time education or approved training — act before the deadline.
- How to get a Cold Weather Payment this winter if you're on Universal Credit — From 1 November 2026, you could get £25 automatically every time it freezes for a week — here is who qualifies on Universal Credit and what to do if the payment does not arrive.
- How new rules let you earn more without losing Housing Benefit in supported or temporary housing — From 5 October 2026, new rules mean people in supported or temporary housing on Housing Benefit can earn more before their benefit is reduced — so working always pays.
- How new rules mean your landlord must improve your home's energy rating by 2030 — From 1 October 2030, private landlords in England and Wales must improve homes to a minimum EPC C energy rating — here is what that means for renters on benefits.
- How PIP daily living points work now — and what changes for new claims in November 2026 — From November 2026, new PIP claims must score at least 4 points in one daily living activity. Here is how the current scoring works and what the change means for you.
- What your landlord needs to do to evict you now section 21 has ended — Since 31 July 2026 every Section 21 notice has expired — your landlord now needs a legal reason to evict you and must give you at least 4 months' notice in most cases.
- How to get emergency money if your Universal Credit has been cut by a sanction — If your Universal Credit has been cut by a sanction, a hardship payment can give you back around 60% of what you lost — here is how to apply.
- How to get free help from your council if you think you might lose your home — If you are likely to become homeless within 56 days, your local council has a legal duty to try to prevent it — you can ask for this free help before things reach crisis point.
- How a new landlord database will help you check who you rent from — From late 2026, a new national database will let you check whether your landlord is properly registered — and view safety certificates for your home — before you rent.
- How to claim New Style ESA if a health condition stops you from working — If you paid National Insurance recently and a health condition stops you from working, New Style ESA pays up to £145.90 a week — and you can claim it alongside Universal Credit.
- How to plan your money when your benefit payment arrives early for the August bank holiday — If your benefit is due on 29, 30 or 31 August, you will be paid early — on Friday 28 August — because of the bank holiday. Here is how to plan ahead.
- How to update your Universal Credit when your landlord raises your rent — If you claim Universal Credit and your rent goes up, you need to tell DWP yourself — your housing element will not update automatically. Here is how to do it.
- How the rental bidding ban gives you a fair chance when looking for a home — Since 1 May 2026, landlords in England cannot ask you to bid above the advertised rent — giving everyone a fair chance to rent at a set price.
- How to claim Pension Credit and get help with rent if you are over State Pension age — If you rent privately and are over State Pension age on a low income, Pension Credit tops up your weekly income and unlocks Housing Benefit — over 880,000 households are missing out.
- How to get up to £30,000 to adapt your rented home if you are disabled — If you or someone in your home is disabled, a Disabled Facilities Grant can pay up to £30,000 for adaptations — even if you rent privately. The grant does not affect your benefits.
- How to get cheaper broadband and mobile if you are on Universal Credit — If you claim Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, you may be able to cut your broadband or mobile bill by switching to a cheaper social tariff deal.
- How to cap your water bill if you are on benefits and use a lot of water — If you are on Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit and use a lot of water for health or family reasons, WaterSure may cap your bill at the local average.
- How to find out if your Carer's Allowance overpayment debt could be cancelled — If DWP told you that you owe money for a Carer's Allowance overpayment, your case may be reviewed — about 25,000 carers could have debts cancelled, reduced, or money refunded.
- How to get £500 towards the cost of your first baby if you are on Universal Credit — On Universal Credit and expecting your first baby? The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off £500 payment to help with baby costs — you never have to pay it back.
- How to claim back up to 2 years of rent if your landlord has broken the law — If your landlord committed a housing offence while you were renting from them, the First-tier Tribunal can order them to repay up to two years of rent.
- How to earn money each month without losing any of your Universal Credit — If you have children or a health condition that limits your work, you can earn up to £427 a month without losing a penny of your Universal Credit — this is your work allowance.
- How to get free energy improvements to your rented home if you are on benefits — If you rent privately and get Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, the Warm Homes Local Grant can pay for insulation or heating upgrades with nothing to pay yourself.
- How to check whether too much is being taken from your Universal Credit payment — Since April 2025, the most that can normally be deducted from your Universal Credit to repay debts is 15% of your standard allowance — not 25%.
- How to get food and milk money on a prepaid card if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 — On Universal Credit with a pregnancy or a child under 4? The Healthy Start card puts up to £37.20 every 4 weeks on a prepaid card for food and milk.
- How to get help with rent after Housing Benefit closed to new working-age claims — From 1 July 2026, most working-age people can no longer start a new Housing Benefit claim — if you need help with rent, you now apply for Universal Credit instead.
- How Awaab's Law gives you faster repairs in social housing — From 30 November 2026, Awaab's Law in England covers 7 more hazards including electrical faults, excess cold, fire risks and pest infestations — your social landlord must act much faster.
- How to claim Carer's Allowance and keep earning from a part-time job — If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you could get £86.45 a week in Carer's Allowance — and still earn up to £204 a week net from a part-time job.
- How to get an advance on your Universal Credit to cover rent during the 5-week wait — When you first claim Universal Credit you wait about 5 weeks for your first payment — but you can ask DWP for an interest-free advance the same day you claim.
- How to try work or volunteering without risking your Universal Credit or PIP — From 30 April 2026, trying work or volunteering will not on its own trigger a reassessment of your Universal Credit health element or your PIP award.
- How to get free NHS prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests on Universal Credit — If you claim Universal Credit, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests — even if you have some earnings from work.
- How to protect your income when DWP writes to say you must move to Universal Credit — If you get a migration notice from DWP, you can move to Universal Credit without losing money — you just need to act before your deadline date.
- How to check whether you should pay the bedroom tax in social housing — If you live in a council or housing association home with a spare bedroom, your housing payment can be cut — but you might qualify for an exemption that saves you money.
- How to ask your landlord if you can keep a pet in your rented home — From 1 May 2026, assured tenants in England can request a pet and landlords must respond within 28 days. Here is how to ask — and what to do if they say no.
- How to earn more without losing your Housing Benefit if you live in supported housing — From 5 October 2026, new rules mean Housing Benefit in supported housing will work like Universal Credit — so you can earn more before your benefit goes down.
- How to get up to 85% of your childcare costs paid back on Universal Credit — If you work and claim Universal Credit, you can get up to 85% of your registered childcare costs paid back — up to £1,071 a month for one child.
- How to get £209 a month added to your Universal Credit if you care for someone — If you look after a disabled or ill person for at least 35 hours a week, you can add the carer element — £209.34 a month — to your Universal Credit.
- How to check if you qualify for the one-bedroom housing rate if you are under 35 — Single UC claimants under 35 usually only get housing help at the shared accommodation rate — but several groups are legally exempt and can claim the higher one-bedroom rate.
- How to claim PIP if a health condition or disability makes everyday life harder — PIP pays up to £194.60 a week on top of Universal Credit — it is not means-tested, so your income, savings, and employment status do not affect your eligibility.
- How to report a housing hazard in your rented home — If your rented home has serious problems like damp, faulty heating, or unsafe electrics, you can ask your council to inspect it for free — here is how.
- How to get free school meals for your children if you claim Universal Credit — From September 2026, all families claiming Universal Credit in England will qualify for free school meals — here is how to apply before the new term starts.
- How to check if the benefit cap is reducing your Universal Credit — Find out what the benefit cap limits are in 2026, whether you are exempt, and what to do if the cap is reducing the housing element of your Universal Credit.
- How the rent in advance cap protects you when moving to a new home — Since 1 May 2026, landlords in England can only ask for 1 month's rent in advance — no more demands for 3 or 6 months upfront.
- How the Warm Home Discount can cut your energy bill if you are on benefits — The Warm Home Discount gives eligible households £150 off their electricity bill each winter — if you claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, you may qualify automatically.
- How to get a government savings bonus if you work and claim Universal Credit — If you work and claim Universal Credit, Help to Save lets you earn a tax-free government bonus on your savings — up to £1,200 over four years.
- How to apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment — From April 2026, Discretionary Housing Payments were replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund — if Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your rent, your council can still top it up.
- What to do if your landlord gave you a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026 — If your landlord served a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, they must start court action by 31 July 2026 — or the notice expires and you gain stronger rights.
- How to get an interest-free loan on Universal Credit to help with moving costs — You can borrow up to £812 interest-free through Universal Credit to cover moving costs, rent in advance, and essential items — repaid over 2 years.
- How to challenge a rent increase under the Renters' Rights Act — Since 1 May 2026, your landlord can only raise your rent once a year and must give 2 months' notice using Form 4A. Here is how to push back if the rise seems too high.
- How to cut your council tax bill if you are on Universal Credit — Universal Credit does not cover your council tax — you must apply separately to your council for a reduction that could bring your bill down to zero.
- How to claim the extra Universal Credit payment if you have a health condition — If you have a health condition that limits your ability to work, Universal Credit may pay you an extra £217 to £430 a month on top of your standard amount — here is how to claim.
- How to check your tenancy deposit is protected — Your landlord must put your deposit into a government-approved scheme within 30 days — here is how to check and what you can claim if they did not.
- Your Universal Credit can now include a payment for every child — From 6 April 2026, the two-child limit on Universal Credit was removed — if you have three or more children, your payments should now be higher.
- Local Housing Allowance — how to find your rate and what it means for your rent — Local Housing Allowance sets the maximum your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will pay toward private rent — here is how to look up your exact rate.
- Landlords can no longer refuse you for claiming benefits — Since 1 May 2026, landlords in England cannot refuse to rent to you because you claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit — the Renters' Rights Act makes this illegal.
- How to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment — If your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit does not stretch to cover your full rent, your council may top it up with a Discretionary Housing Payment.