Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new benefit for working age people who are on a low income or out of work.

It replaces a number of other benefits including Housing Benefit.

You will need to apply for Universal Credit instead of Housing Benefit if you need help with housing costs.

To claim Universal Credit you must:

• be 18 or over (or in some cases 16 or 17)
• be under State Pension age
• have less than £16,000 in savings
• not be in full-time education or training (although there are some exceptions)

You will still need to make a separate claim to us for Council Tax Support. 

If you are State Pension age, you can still apply for Housing Benefit.

What is different about Universal Credit?

It will be paid into your bank account in one monthly payment.

Help with housing costs will be included, so you may have to pay your landlord yourself.

Most claims will be made and managed online.

Managing your Money

If you are not used to managing a monthly household budget, the Money Advice Service Budget Planner can help you take control.

You'll receive your first Universal Credit payment 5 weeks after you've applied. If you don't think you will have enough money to live on, you can ask for an advanced payment through your journal.

Paying your rent should always be your priority. If you owe rent or struggling to pay, you can ask for rent can be paid directly to your landlord. You can make a request through your Universal Credit journal or ask at your local Job Centre Plus. 

Getting Online

You will need an email address to make and manage a Universal Credit claim. There are a number of free web-based email services that you can use.

You can access your account on a tablet, smart phone or computer. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, there are places where you can go to get help. 

Help to Claim is a new Universal Credit support service from Citizens Advice

Support is available online, over the phone and face to face. Call 0800 144 8 444

Calls are free and lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday