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Understanding the 53-week rent year
We charge rent on a weekly basis. Around every five to six years, there’s an extra week in the rent year to align with the calendar year. This will be the case for 2024/2025.
Questions and answers about the 53-week rent year
I’m on Universal Credit. How does this affect me?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculates your housing cost payment based on a 52-week year. This remains the same even in a 53-week year. Unfortunately, the DWP has confirmed it won’t provide additional Universal Credit to cover this extra week.
To avoid falling into arrears, you’ll need to pay the additional week’s rent.
If your Housing Costs are paid directly to Bolton at Home from your Universal Credit, you’ll need to pay an additional week’s rent yourself to cover the 53rd week.
Please get in touch with your Rent Officer via 01204 328000 or email us at income.management@boltonathome.org.uk to discuss this further.
What if I pay by monthly Direct Debit?
You don’t need to do anything. We will calculate and adjust your payments automatically.
What if I pay by monthly standing order?
If you pay by standing order, you’ll need to adjust your monthly payments yourself. Here’s how: multiply your weekly rent amount by 49 and then divide it by 12.
For example, if your new rent is £100 per week, the calculation would be: £100 x 49 ÷ 12 = £408.33.
If you have arrears or a Court Order, add your agreed amount to the weekly rent before multiplying.
Once you’ve calculated your new monthly payments, please update your standing order with your bank.
What if I pay by a monthly card payment?
If you pay by card each month, you’ll need to adjust your monthly payments. Use the same calculation as above (weekly rent x 49 ÷ 12).
If you have arrears or a court order, remember to factor these into your monthly payments.
What happens if I have non-charging weeks?
Your four non-charging weeks will still apply. However, this year you’ll have one more weekly rent charge than usual, so you’ll have 49 weeks to pay.
What if I pay weekly?
There’s no change for you. You’ll continue to pay your new weekly rent from 1 April in advance every Monday.
What if I claim Housing Benefit?
If you receive Housing Benefit, you don’t need to do anything. This will be covered.
Where can I get help if I need it?
If you would like support with budgeting or other money advice, our Money Advice Team is here to help.
Please email us at moneyadviceteam@boltonathome.org.uk or phone 01204 328000.
You can get more information about, and guidance from, our Money Advice Team here: www.boltonathome.org.uk/money-advice-team
We understand that this might be a bit confusing but we’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.