This happens every five or six years, because there are 365 days in a year or 366 in a leap year. This breaks down to 52 weeks in a year plus one day, or in a leap year 52 weeks plus two days. These extra days combine to add an extra week to the year.
53-week year | What it means for rent payments
Did you know that this financial year that started on 1 April 2024 is a 53-week year?
A typical year is only 52 weeks, but this is not the case in this financial year, as there will be 53 Mondays.
When deciding how much Universal Credit (UC) should be allocated to an individual, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculate monthly rent by multiplying a week’s rent by 48, 50 or 52 weeks, dependant on an individual’s tenancy. They would then divide this by 12. This is the case even when there is an extra week in the year.
This means that your monthly UC payments will not cover the monthly rent in 2024. So, you will need to work out the shortfall and pay this.
Example:
WEEK 48 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 49 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £408.33
WEEK 50 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 51 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £425
WEEK 52 tenancy: Rent £100 per week X 53 weeks charges divided by 12 months = Monthly payment due £441.67
We are here to help so if you are unsure what this means for you please get in touch with us on 0333 320 4555 or email incomecollectionteam@progressgroup.org.uk.
Further information about help and support can be found here: Cost of living hub | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)
Frequently asked questions
If you pay your rent weekly, there will be an extra week of rent to pay. If you pay monthly, please ensure this extra week is covered when you make a rent payment. If you are unable to pay the extra week in one go you can make a payment plan with us to spread the week across the year. Please contact us on 0333 320 4555 or email incomecollectionteam@progressgroup.org.uk so that we can discuss payment options with you.
If you receive Universal Credit this will affect you. The DWP will not cover the additional week of rent. This is something that you will need to pay.
If you are on Housing Benefit this will not affect you as it will cover this.
What do I need to do if I am on Universal Credit?
Unfortunately, the DWP has confirmed it won’t pay for the 53rd week. This means that you will need to pay for the additional week yourself.
What do I need to do if I pay by Direct Debit?
If you pay by Direct Debit you don’t need to take any action. We will work the new figure out for you and automatically adjust your payments accordingly.
What if I pay by monthly standing order?
If you pay by standing order, you will need to make an adjustment to your monthly payments. To understand how much rent, you should be paying each month, multiply your weekly rent amount by 49, 51 or 53 depending on your tenancy and then divide it by 12.
What can I do if I am not happy about Universal Credit not covering the 53rd week?
Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do about this. As the tenant, you will be responsible for paying the extra week of rent that Universal Credit won’t cover.