The Department for Work and Pensions calculates universal credit payments based on a 52-week year. Some years where there are 53 weeks, if you receive universal credit for housing, you may need to pay for the extra week of rent yourself.

The 2024-25 financial year has 53 rent weeks and universal credit claimants will receive only 52 weeks' worth of housing costs. We think this may leave some people in arrears.