Universal credit

Universal Credit (UC) is a benefit for people of working age, in or out of work, designed to top up their income to a minimum level.

UC replaces Housing Benefit and certain other benefits for people who are out of work as well as tax credits for people in work. Please read our Universal Credit leaflet for more information. Please note that the changes only apply to those under retirement age.

• The UC payment is paid monthly
• Claimants need to budget for all of their expenditure for the whole month. Top level debts such as rent and council tax need to be paid first
• The move to UC is gradual so you may not yet be affected

Here are some very clear and simple guides:

• • How to claim universal credit
  • How to claim new employment seekers allowance
  • How to claim new job seekers allowance

Council Tax benefit 

If you are claiming UC, then you will need to apply for your Council Tax benefit separately through your local authority.

Check the timeline for benefits changes here.

Who is affected?

UC rolls the following benefits into one payment for anyone making a new claim after the start date for their postcode area:

• • Housing Benefit
  • Income Based JSA
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credits
  • Income Based ESA
  • Working Tax Credits

You may also be affected if you claim the above benefits and your circumstances change.

 How will it affect me?

• You will have to claim and provide all information online at www.gov.uk 
• There is a minimum five week wait for claims to be processed, and you will not get any money paid to you in this time
• You will have to pay us your rent, if you claim Housing Benefit it will not be paid to us by the council any longer and you will need a bank account

Some things to think about?

• Start paying a small amount each month on top of your rent, to build up some rent in advance so you are covered while you wait for your money to be paid.
• Click here to view a PDF guide produced by UC that has more information on the claim journey
• UC also have this practical guide on  how to make a claim - also you must inform Westward immediately if you make a claim so that we are aware.
• Check to see how UC could affect your benefits. This free calculator from Policy in Practice is a quick and accurate 'ready reckoner'.
• Set up a Westward MyAccount and get used to managing your tenancy rent account online. Also, by doing this you will be entered into a monthly prize draw for either a £100 Love2Shop reward or £150 placed in a credit union savings account for you.

Prefer to watch?

If you would like any help regarding UC or require more information , please contact our advisers on 0300 100 1010.