It’s a 53 week year in 2024-25!
What does this mean for you?
Most of our tenancies are charged weekly on a Monday.
In a standard year, there are 52 Mondays, meaning 52 weekly charges.
Every five to six years there are 53 Mondays in a year. 2024-25 is one of those years.
FAQs - The 53 Week Year
How Does the Extra Week Affect Me?
If you pay your rent weekly, it doesn't affect you. Just change the amount to what it says in your rent review letter.
If you pay monthly but not by Direct Debit, you need to work out your rent differently. This year you need to multiply your weekly rent (including any service charge) by 53. Then divide this amount by 12 to give you the monthly rent.
If you pay four weekly, multiply the weekly rent (including the service charge) by 53 and then divide by 13.
What If I Receive Universal Credit?
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) calculates Universal Credit on a 52 week basis. So even though it’s a 53 week year, they will only pay 52 weeks. Your Universal Credit won't cover the additional week.
If you get Universal Credit paid directly to you, then you will need to make a change to your payments. You can see how to do this in our How Does The Extra Week Affect Me section. If the DWP pay us on your behalf, then you will need to make payments yourself to cover the extra week.
Please contact us to work out the best way forward for you.
What if I Pay By Direct Debit?
You won't need to do anything if you pay by Direct Debit; we'll make the changes to your payments here. We will include any arrears or court order agreement with the change to your payment.
What if I I Pay By Standing Order or Card?
If you pay by Standing Order or with your card, you'll need to change your payments in line with your rent letter. If you pay monthly or four weekly please read the How does the extra week affect me to see how to calculate your payment. You can do this by multiplying your weekly rent by 53 and dividing by 12 (weekly rent x 53 ÷ 12)
You'll need to update your Standing Order with your bank as soon as you can.
What if I Pay Weekly?
There will be no change for weekly payments; start paying your new weekly rent in advance every Monday from April 1.
What if I Claim Housing Benefit?
If you receive housing benefit, no action is required - it's already covered.
Extra Support
If you would like extra support with budgeting or money advice, email our team at benefits@estuary.co.uk or call 0300 304 5000