This service is for Universal Credit, not Housing Benefit.
The paper UC47 form has been replaced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) online Apply for Direct Rent Payment service. It lets a landlord ask for the housing costs part of a tenant's Universal Credit to be paid directly to them. A direct payment is also called a managed payment to landlord.
When to request direct payment
You can request a managed payment if the tenant owes at least two months' rent. You can also ask if they have continually underpaid rent for more than two months and owe at least one month's rent. In some cases, DWP may consider an arrangement because of the tenant's circumstances, even without arrears.
Two months' arrears do not mean direct payment will automatically start. DWP considers each request and makes the decision. The tenant is told about an eligible landlord request and can object.
How to apply
Use the Apply for Direct Rent Payment service. Give accurate details of the tenancy and rent arrears, if any. For the eligibility criteria and process, see the DWP guidance on alternative payment arrangements.
Recovering rent arrears
A managed payment pays the Universal Credit housing costs element directly to the landlord; it does not itself clear existing arrears. Where arrears have reached at least two months' rent, landlords may also request a separate deduction from the tenant's Universal Credit towards arrears. DWP decides whether to make a deduction, and the tenant can object. See the Universal Credit guide for landlords.
