Universal Credit
It’s important to check you’re receiving all the benefits and tax credits you’re entitled to.
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Universal Credit is a new combined working-age benefit that incorporates six well known benefits, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
All Universal Credit claims must be made online - you can apply by clicking on the following link.
There is a waiting time of six weeks before you will get paid, so if you claim on 1 August, you will not be paid until mid September. Your next payment would be in mid October. It will be paid monthly in arrears but there is normally a wait of five to seven weeks after claiming before your payments come through, although you can get a loan against your payments if you are really struggling.
Remember, any payments from Universal Credit will include what was called Housing Benefit; you will need to pay this direct to your landlord to avoid arrears.
We've put together a handy leaflet on Universal Credit so you can find out what it means for you, when it’s coming and how you can make sure you’re prepared to make and manage your claim.
The Department of Work and Pensions has a really helpful short online questionnaire which can tell you what you need to do to get ready for Universal Credit.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will notify you when you will be moved across to Universal Credit. It’s important you follow the instructions otherwise your payments will stop.
Universal Credit is being rolled out in phases, according to your nearest JobCentre Plus. The following areas have recently switched.
The following areas will be affected soon:
Date |
Where |
| October 2018 | Hackney, Hayes, Hertford, Hoxton, Stevenage, Tottenham, Uxbridge, Wood Green |
| November 2018 | Biggleswade, Harlesden |
| December 2018 | Borehamwood, Kentish Town, Milton Keynes, North Kensington, Wembley |
Please contact us when you make a claim for Universal Credit or another benefit or if you have any questions about changes to your benefits. Our teams are here to help!
|
Benefits and entitlement |
Welfare Benefit Advice Team |
|
Work and employment |
Worksmart Team |
| Managing your rent |
Income Team |
Universal Credit - latest updates
Need some more advice?
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Benefits and financial supportThe Government has introduced a number of changes to the benefits system. These may affect the payments you receive.
Benefits and financial support -
Employment advice and supportReach your full potential, with a variety of employment advice sessions and training courses.
Employment support -
Dealing with debtIf you're having money problems, here's some organisations who may be able to help you. Don't forget to talk to us if you're struggling with your rent.
Dealing with debt