Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment available through GOV.UK to help with your living costs. For more full details and to make a claim visit Universal Credit on GOV.UK

Who can apply

You can apply if you're:

• out of work
• on a low income
• self employed
• unable to work due to a health condition or disability

You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator on GOV.UK to check what you might be entitled to.

Legacy benefits

These are benefits that are gradually being replaced by Universal Credit.

This means people of working age cannot make a new claim for any of the following legacy benefits:

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

If you get Housing Benefit

If you already get Housing Benefit and do not need to make a new application for any of legacy benefits, you will not need to apply for Universal Credit until the Department for Work and Pensions contact you.

Transitioning to Universal Credit

As Universal Credit is gradually replacing several existing benefits, it is important to stay informed and prepared. If you currently receive any of the following benefits, please be aware that you can no longer make new claims for them: 

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

Instead, you will need to transition to Universal Credit, which combines these benefits into a single monthly payment.

Be alert for a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) titled 'Universal Credit Migration Notice.' This letter authorises you to begin your transition to Universal Credit and includes essential information for a smooth process. You do not need to take any steps until you receive this letter, but upon receipt, immediate action is required. You will have 12 weeks from the date of the letter to submit your claim. Failing to meet this deadline may result in the loss of your benefits.

Meeting the deadlines is essential to ensure your benefits continue without interruption and that you receive the correct amount.

Help with Universal Credit for council tenants

If you are a council tenant and you need help claiming Universal Credit, please get in touch with the housing income maximisation (HIMAX) team, to find out how they can help you.

If you need assistance to apply for Universal Credit or have not received your first Universal Credit despite claiming, Citizens Advice has a dedicated helpline to assist you: 0800 144 8444  - lines open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm.

We are committed to helping our residents transition to Universal Credit successfully.