Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a single payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income. Full service was gradually rolled out across the country. It was introduced in West Suffolk between October 2017 and December 2018.

Universal Credit replaces:

Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credit

What can I get?

What you can get will depend on your circumstances. The calculation starts with the standard allowance and additional elements are added on, for example if you have children and need childcare or if you also need money to help with your housing costs, this will be paid with your single monthly Universal Credit payment, unlike Housing Benefit. You can find out more at: GOV.UK - Universal Credit

People living in supported housing may still be able to apply for Housing Benefit. The rules regarding this are complex and if you are living in supported housing, please speak to your landlord, or contact us.

Help towards your Council Tax, called Council Tax Reduction is still awarded by the council. Visit Anglia Revenues Partnership - What is Council Tax Reduction to find out more and apply.

With Universal Credit, there are no limits to the number of hours that you can work. Your credit payment will reduce gradually as your own earnings increase so you won't lose all your benefits at once if you are on a low income.

How is it paid?

Universal Credit is paid into your bank or building society account each month. It is a single monthly payment which means it is your responsibility to budget your expenses such as rent. You will need a bank, building society or or credit union account.

Money Helper - Fee-free basic bank accounts?
Use the GOV.UK - benefits calculators to find out if you’re eligible for Universal Credit and how much you could get.

To find out if there are changes you need to make to prepare for Universal Credit visit Money Helper - Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits

How do I apply?

To find out whether you are eligible and how to claim it visit GOV.UK - Universal Credit or Money Helper - Universal Credit explained

You can only apply online for Universal Credit.

Apply online for Universal Credit

Universal Credit applicants can benefit from a free financial health check. We have enlisted the help of local Citizens Advice to help you #makeyourmoneygofurther. Simply discuss making your money go further with your work coach, who is based in your local Jobcentre, and you will be given a free and confidential meeting with the local Citizens Advice to review your household income and bills.

Universal Credit accounts will be available to view online similar to online banking. You will be able to make changes to your circumstance in real time and check payments and awards as and when you can, rather than having to phone or make an appointment with your work coach.

More information about Universal Credit, budgeting and finding work

GOV.UK - Move to Universal Credit
Citizens advice - Universal Credit
Citizens Advice - Applying for Universal Credit
GOV.UK - Universal Credit
YouTube video - Universal Credit
Money Helper - Universal Credit also offers useful information and have developed an online money manger tool to provide advice: Money Helper - Budget planner.