Universal Credit is a new single payment for people looking for work or who are on a low income. It is paid into a bank account in the same way as a monthly salary.
From Monday 7 December 2015, help with housing costs will either be paid through Housing Benefit or as part of a Universal Credit award. Universal Credit will initially only be claimed by working age jobseekers who are single and do not have dependent children.
It will replace:
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credits
- Housing benefit
- Working Tax Credits
Most claimants on low incomes will still be paid Universal Credit when they first start a new job or increase their part-time hours.
Watch a video about Universal Credit
Find out more about the Universal Credit claim process
When is this happening?
If you want to find out whether or not you can claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit you can use our benefit checker or visit the government's website which shows eligibility criteria for Universal Credit.
As Universal Credit is a new benefit, it may be that even though you have claimed Housing Benefit in the past, you now need to claim Universal Credit.
If you already know which benefit you need to claim, please follow these links:
Claim Housing Benefit
Claim Universal Credit
In addition to these benefits, you may also be able to claim help with your council tax from us.
Claim help with your council tax
How can you prepare for Universal Credit?
Get online
Universal Credit will be administered online so it is really important to be able to access emails and an online account.
We know it is not easy for everyone to get online, and there is lots of local support available to do so.
Get a bank account
Universal Credit will combine benefits such as job seeker’s allowance and housing benefit into one payment, direct to your bank account.
Get a budgeting plan
Universal Credit is a monthly payment and paid in arrears. If you need more information or advice please go to our benefit changes support or money advice page.
What support is available?
Free financial advice:
If you are not used to making a single monthly payment last a month, would like help with budgeting, or are struggling to pay your rent or bills, help is at hand.
Check out the Money Advice Service guide to Universal Credit for advice and videos about how to claim.
City Council tenants:
Speak to your housing income officer or neighbourhood housing officer about the free budgeting and money advice services available.
Housing association tenants:
Contact your landlord about the help and advice they can offer.