SFHA Social Security and Financial Wellbeing Survey

The third set of results from SFHA’s Social Security and Financial Wellbeing Survey have now been published covering the July to September 2022 period.  

Based on responses from five SFHA members, over two thirds of the tenants included in the sample were found to be reliant on either Universal Credit or other legacy benefits. Both the number of arrears cases and the value of these were notably higher in the former meaning that 66% of the total arrears value could be attributed to Universal Credit recipients compared to only 9% of those receiving other legacy benefits. Arrears cases were however apparent across all tenancies with the remaining 25% of the total arrears value being attributed to those who are not in receipt of benefits.  

From a landlord’s perspective, the key issues raised in the survey continue to centre around poor communication with the DWP including long call wait times and difficulties accessing information or receiving important notifications about payments and the status of claims. As noted in our previous reports, this could be addressed through additional communication channels and improved functionality of the Landlord Portal as well as additional training for staff involved in processing Universal Credit claims. 

The cost-of-living crisis also continues to have a direct impact on tenants with landlords reporting a high demand for foodbank referrals and emergency fuel vouchers. Respondents highlighted that this is continuing to impact both those who are in employment and those who rely on the social security system. The significant increases in the costs of household essentials coupled with current level of support offered through Universal Credit means that the tenants are having to make these payments stretch even further than before. 

SFHA will continue to raise these issues with the DWP and work in partnership to support anti-poverty campaigns in Scotland and across the UK. Further detail can also be found in the full report.  

The survey for the October to December 2022 period is now open and can be accessed here. We would be grateful if responses could be completed by Friday 3 March 2023.                                                                                 

Thank you again for your ongoing participation and contributions to the research to date. If you have any questions or comments on the survey, please contact Cassandra Dove, SFHA Research and Policy Lead, at cdove@sfha.co.uk.