Universal Credit managed migration
The Government is writing to some people inviting them to claim Universal Credit. These 'migration notices' are part of a process known as managed migration. This website www.gov.uk/ucmove includes more information.
You will receive this government letter if you:
You do not need to take any action until you receive your Migration Notice letter.
If you receive a 'migration notice' do not ignore it. Your Benefits will stop after 3 months.
Why should I claim Universal Credit?
You should claim Universal Credit to protect your income as well as other things like free school meals, help with prescriptions, cost of living payment etc.
What else should I claim?
Universal Credit does not replace Council Tax Reduction scheme so:
Universal Credit is replacing 6 means tested benefits listed above. All other benefits still continue.
Applying for Universal Credit
You normally have to apply online for Universal Credit through the Government website. But you can also make a telephone claim.
Apply for Universal Credit on Gov.uk
Please remember, If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your rent or there has been a change in your circumstances that will affect your rent payments, contact our team of experts on 01908 252937 (option 1).
We know that one in five UK adults (10.3 million people) have less than £100 in savings, with one in ten having no savings at all. Many are reported to be one broken appliance away from slipping into debt.
MKCC have various discretionary funds that provide additional support with rent costs to those already in receipt of benefits and as part of the 2022-23 budget setting process, MKCC have made a commitment to further support Council Tenants with these costs. MKCC recognise that working tenants who are not in receipt of benefit related rental assistance, will still be faced with financial pressures, and may not always be identified as a group eligible for wider support.
MKC are committed to supporting all Council Tenants, if you are a working tenant in a financial crisis, not entitled to assistance with rental costs, we may be able to provide assistance. Read our Cost of Living support page for ways we may be able to help.
Your rent is due weekly in advance as part of the terms of your tenancy agreement. This means that your rent account should not fall into arrears in between your rent payments.
If you have an account with us you can pay your rent online now or you can set up an account it only takes a few minutes. We offer a wide range of other payment methods to make it easier for you to make the payment. Please find below more information about your MKCC rent account.
If you can see a problem coming, do not wait until it arrives - talk to us as soon as possible. It is always easier to sort things out when arrears are small, and even when arrears are high.
At every opportunity we will discuss with you the circumstances and what has impacted your ability to pay. We will also try to put together a payment plan so you pay a realistic amount within a reasonable period of time, but we will always insist you see rent as the priority debt and request full payment as a starting point.
It is important that you contact us to discuss your account and explain why you are having difficulties. The lack of payments or a payments arrangement plan will lead to enforcement action through the court, and you will be at serious risk of losing your home.
A ‘Notice of seeking possession’ will be served on you. This is the first legal step towards taking possession of your home. The notice will tell you the amount of money you owe. An agreement must be made and kept, to avoid stage 2
We will apply to court for possession of your home. This will cost £391.00 and it is likely that this will be added to your debt.
At the court hearing:
Unless you make the ordered payments, we will enforce the order, by applying for a bailiff warrant. This will cost £143.00, which will be added to your debt. This means you must give up possession of your home and a bailiff will evict you.
The only way to stop the eviction is for you to apply for a ‘stay of execution’, this must be done by you with the court.
If you are evicted for rent arrears we may pass your details to a debt collection agency, get an attachment of earnings if you are working or refer your case to a bailiff.
Former Tenant Arrears can affect your credit rating if you do not pay them. You may also have problems if you apply for re-housing in the future as you could be seen as having made yourself intentionally homeless or you may not be able to apply until you have cleared your debt.
If you are unemployed or on a low income you may be able to get extra help. If you need the latest information about welfare benefits to help you to pay your rent, you can start by checking the Department for Work and Pensions website.
The rent is your responsibility to pay, even if you receive benefits. It is also your responsibility to supply any supporting evidence to the benefits agencies which may support your claim for housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (UC).
Other sources of information and support:
If you are worried that you may struggle to pay your rent, or you have benefit or debt problems, we may be able to help through our money advice service if you contact our team, or you can review details of MKCC independent advice services.
We have a dedicated team of Income and Welfare experts who are on hand to listen to your concerns and provide clear and compassionate guidance.
Even if you do not have a problem now, if you can see a problem coming, do not wait until it arrives – talk to us as soon as possible.
Please remember, If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your rent or there has been a change in your circumstances that will affect your rent payments, contact our team of experts on 01908 252937 (option 1).
NEW - If you are a council tenant, or know someone who is a council tenants, who struggles financially please use our new Welfare referral online form.
You can now view your rent or leasehold account by clicking on Full Account Details. Each time that you login to your MyCouncil account, you can now view your rent or leasehold account under the ‘My Accounts’ tab. Full guides on setting up your account are available from the website.
If you need help or support registering for an online account, or for any questions, please contact us: Email: rents@milton-keynes.gov.uk Tel: 01908 252937 (option 1)
Direct Debit is the easiest and most convenient method of paying your rent. You can choose when these payments will be taken from your bank account. The options are:
Please ensure you use your 9-digit payment reference
(People who pay by Direct Debit are fully protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee)
You can make arrangements with your bank to set up a regular standing order for your rent payments. The bank details to set up the standing order are:
Please ensure you use your 9-digit payment reference
If you choose to pay by standing order, it will be your responsibility to make sure that payments reach the Council on time and that you make the correct payments.
Register now for your new online rent account at MyCouncil webpage. You will require your pay reference number to make a payment; this is a 9-digit number beginning with 8
You can make debit or credit card payments by phone at any time, day, or night, using our 24-Hour automated payment line; simply call on 0300 131 5555. You will need your 9-digit rent payment reference
Milton Keynes Council, Civic 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ