Universal Credit is a new benefit that is paid monthly to you similar to a wage.  

It includes housing costs which you will pay to your landlord.  It is paid direct into your bank, building society or credit union account. 

You will need:

• An email address and access to the Internet – Universal credit is claimed and managed online.  There is no paper form and everything is always done online 
• How to set up an email account 
• A bank account – You will need a transactional bank account in order to receive your Universal credit  
• Money Advice Service: How to set up a bank account (external link) 
• Budgeting skills – Universal Credit is only paid monthly, so you must make sure you budget your money so that it lasts your household for the whole month 
• Money Advice Service: Personal Budgeting Tools (external link) 

For further advice and help with managing an online Universal Credit Account or managing a budget contact a member of our Customer Service Team who are on hand to help you.