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Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) is replacing new claims for a number of benefits

  • Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • Income Support

  • Child Tax Credit

  • Working Tax Credit

  • Housing Benefit

 

Once you make a claim for UC in place of one or more of the above you will then receive one single monthly payment, which will be made into your bank account. 

 

It is to help those who are looking for work or on a low income.

 

There are some exceptions where you may still need to claim Housing Benefit. In some circumstances if you have 3 or more children, are in temporary accommodation, having been  placed by our Homelessness Department, or are residing in accommodation, where you get extra support whilst living at that property (This is called Specified Accommodation). 

 

If you are already receiving one or more of the above benefits this will continue until a relevant change in your circumstance means you need to make a new claim for Universal Credit.

 

 

  • What happens if I can’t claim online?

 

  • I have always had weekly payments and I have never budgeted for monthly payments

 

  • I can’t wait 6 weeks before I get a payment how can I manage?

 

  • I still have a shortfall in my rent after my housing costs have been paid by UC?

 

  • Will Universal Credit pay towards my Council Tax bill?