Universal credit

As part of the Welfare Reform Act (the Government’s changes to the benefits system) a new payment system known as ‘Universal credit’ was introduced that has brought about fundamental changes to how people’s benefits are paid. This affects people of working age who have to make a new claim due to a change in their circumstances.

The Government started transferring people from their existing benefits from July 2019. The process is expected to be completed by December 2023.

 

1  Why did the Government introduced Universal Credit?

Universal credit replaces a number of benefits including Housing Benefit with one single monthly payment for your household. Universal Credit will help ensure that claimants will be financially better off in work, which will help them and their families to become more independent.

2 What benefits does it replace?

Universal Credit will replace the following payments:

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

Your Housing Benefit will no longer be paid directly to us; it will be paid straight to you. This means that you will become responsible for paying your rent on time.

3 How to I claim for Universal Credit?

When you report a change in circumstances, you may be asked to claim Universal Credit instead.   To claim Universal Credit you will need to be online and have an email address.  For more details on how to claim, please click this link:

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/making-a-claim/before-you-claim

If you do not have regular access to the internet or IT equipment you can contact us for support. Universal Credit is paid direct to the person claiming benefit and is normally paid monthly in arrears into your bank account.

It is essential that you pay your rent and on time. The easiest way to pay your rent is by Direct Debit.  Please contact us for a Direct Debit form.

 

We also have a Universal Credit helper tool that you can access here: UC helper

 

If you are worried or have any concerns at all about Universal Credit or any other benefit then please contact your Rent Income Officer on 01689 889700.