Universal credit is paid monthly in arrears. Tenants should receive their payment on the same date each month. Tenants usually have to wait at least 5 weeks for their first payment. However, tenants can ask for a universal credit advance if they’re struggling to buy food or pay rent while they wait.
The council pays housing benefit every two or four weeks or calendar monthly depending on how frequently the rent is due. Housing benefit is usually paid on the Monday after someone submits a claim.