Universal Credit

Here to help you

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:

Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Income Support
Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

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.

What you can get

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.

Universal credit guides

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.

What you will need

You will need:

your bank, building society or credit union account details (call the Universal Credit helpline if you do not have one)
an email address
information about your housing, for example how much rent you pay
details of your income, for example payslips
details of savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out
details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs

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:

driving licence
passport
debit or credit card

If you cannot verify your identity online then the Universal Credit team will phone you to help you verify your identity. 

Universal Credit helpline

Contact the Universal Credit helpline if:

you cannot use digital services at all, this might be due to disability or your circumstances
you have a question about your claim and cannot access your online claim

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 top tips

If you receive a housing element this is to pay your rent. You should set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order to pay your landlord. You can also request the housing element is paid directly to your landlord. To do this click on the ‘Add Housing Cost’ button on your Universal Credit account online, and fill in the details of how much rent is to be paid, the landlord’s details and how often it is to be paid. Visit the Universal Credit website for more information
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is not means tested and will not affect other benefits. This can be complicated to apply for so get in touch with us via our drop-in clinics for support
Journal entries are a good way to see what your work coach needs you to do as well as any outstanding tasks you need to complete. It’s also a good way to communicate with your work coach and keep a record of your communications
Make sure that you have any documents that have been requested by, or even better before, the deadline they have been requested. And if you are having problems, contact your work coach and let them know via your journal
Ensure you upload any medical certificates on time and before the old one is due to expire
Make sure that all payslips (if you are working) are sent in on time
Keep your work coach up to date with any changes in your situation, this could include, changes in your hours at work, changes in rent, having children or if someone is joining or leaving your household

How Universal Credit is paid

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?

Universal Credit information for landlords

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.