Have your say on the future of local councils
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are being asked for their views on the future of local government.
If you need support with housing, benefits, managing your finances or advice on community matters we’re here to help.
Visit one of our drop-in clinics or contact us on 013533 665555.
Universal Credit is a single payment for working age people who are on a low income regardless of whether they are in work, looking for work, too ill to work or caring for someone.
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears and replaces:
It includes housing costs which you will pay to your landlord. It is paid direct into your bank, building society or credit union account.
If you are of Pension age, you will not be affected by Universal Credit and should still claim Housing Benefit.
Read more about Universal Credit on the government website.
What you can get will depend on your circumstances. The calculation starts with the standard allowance and additional elements are added on, for example, if you have children and need childcare or if you also need money to help with your housing costs, this will be paid with your single monthly Universal Credit payment, unlike Housing Benefit.
People living in supported housing may still be able to apply for Housing Benefit. The rules regarding this are complex and if you are living in supported housing, please contact us.
Some families, including those with more than two children, living in Universal Credit full service area will still be able claim benefits including Housing Benefit.
Visit GOV.UK to find out if you should claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Help towards your Council Tax, called Council Tax Support, is still awarded by the council. You will need to make an application alongside your application for Universal Credit.
With Universal Credit, there are no limits to the number of hours that you can work. Your credit payment will reduce gradually as your own earnings increase so you won't lose all your benefits at once if you are on a low income.
Visit GOV.UK for housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds getting Universal Credit.
You will need:
If you do not provide the right information when you apply it might affect when you get paid or how much you get. You also have to verify your identity online. You will need some proof of identity for this, for example your:
If you cannot verify your identity online then the Universal Credit team will phone you to help you verify your identity.
Contact the Universal Credit helpline if:
Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344 Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Universal Credit is paid into your bank or building society account each month. It is a single monthly payment which means it is your responsibility to budget your expenses such as rent. You will need a bank, building society or a credit union account.
Visit the Money Advice Service to find out more about basic bank accounts.
Use the GOV.UK - benefits calculator to find out if you’re eligible for Universal Credit and how much you could get.
To find out if there are changes you need to make to prepare for Universal Credit visit Money Advice Service - How will Universal Credit affect me?
The Department for Work and Pensions has created guides to help landlords understand how Universal Credit affects them and what safeguards are in place.
The Money Advice Service also has information for landlords.