DWP Helpline for landlord clarification

I have noticed that there are a few articles floating around the landlord community regarding a new landlord helpline for landlords that have tenants on Universal Credit.

In one article it states “The new number 0345 600 4272 can be used by landlords who are unable to obtain the tenant’s co-operation to get DWP to supply information when it comes to enquiries about major payments – such as a direct payment to the landlord.”

I would like to clarify that the number that has been provided is the Universal Credit full service number which has always been in use, the number is not specific to landlords and can be used by both claimants and landlords who need assistance.

If the landlord wishes to discuss a new APA that has recently been submitted the landlord still requires “explicit consent” from the tenant to discuss the claim.

Landlords can use this number to discuss existing APAs that are already been put in place as consent has already been provided by the claimant in order for the APA to be set up.

DWP issued new guidance on Universal Credit via the gov.uk website on 4th August 2017, for more information please follow this link