Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new benefit for working-age people which will eventually be replacing:

• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

IMPORTANT: Universal Credit does not include help with your Council Tax. You must apply to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme separately.

Information about Universal Credit is available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-you/universal-credit-and-you-a

Universal Credit can be claimed online via https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim.

Universal Credit Tool – UNIVERSAL CREDIT SUPPORT (uc-helper.co.uk)

If you experience any problems, you should contact the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644

Please note: Once you have made your claim you will not receive your first payment of Universal Credit until one calendar month and seven days after that date. If you have no other means of support until you receive your first payment, you should seek an Advanced Payment of Universal Credit, although you should be aware that this will be offered in the form of a loan which will be clawed back through your Universal Credit award. Once established your Universal Credit will be managed through an on-line account. You can use your account to report changes and get support and use your journal to send messages to your work coach.