Universal Credit

Universal Credit is paid direct to the person claiming benefit and includes housing costs. All claims will be processed through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rather than your local council or benefits agency. Once an application for Universal Credit has been made, it can take up to 5 weeks to process the claim and you will not receive any money during this time period, therefore it is essential you budget for this.

Universal Credit is normally paid monthly in arrears and it is your responsibility to pay the housing element of your Universal Credit to us for your rent. The easiest way to do this is set up a  Direct Debit or Standing order. Alternatively, you can ask that we apply for your rent to be paid directly to us from your Universal Credit Claim.  
For new claims, please visit the Universal Credit claims page. The Universal Credit playlist also has some videos to help you understand Universal Credit. 

 

The Government's Universal Credit (UC) Migration.

If you claim benefits, you should have received a leaflet and a ‘UC Migration’ letter from your local council in December 2023.

Universal Credit is replacing 6 benefits called ‘legacy benefits’. These are: 

• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Child Tax Credits (CTC) 
• Working Tax Credits (WTC)

You can find more specific information about Universal Credit Migration (2023-2024) on helpful sites such as Citizens Advice and Turn2Us, a national charity who support anyone with financial concerns. 

This is a national change to government issued benefits but if you need support with your UC claim, please contact our Universal Credit Officer Tracy, on 07543500458. If you are unable to get through, please leave a message on the phone or  email Tracy with your query as well as your name and first line of address.

In order to make a UC claim you will need:

• Access to the internet
• Your tenancy agreement
• A rent statement showing your eligible rent
• Your landlord’s name and address
• Your postcode
• Details of anyone who lives with you
• A bank account and your bank account details
• Details of any savings
• Your expected monthly salary (if working)
• Details of any other income you receive
• Your email address and landline or mobile

Paying your Rent and Service Charge with Universal Credit

On 1st April 2024, rent and service charge increases came into effect. If you are on Universal Credit you need to make updates to make sure that your rent and service charges are both accurate.

To do this, you will need to log into your Universal Credit account and will find a ‘Confirm your housing cost to do’ on your to-do list. You’ll find the rent and service charge on the rent increase letter that was sent out in Feb/Mar 2024.

If you have a telephone claim you will need to call Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644 and they will make the change for you.

Each charge needs to go in separately and it is the weekly cost not monthly. If you are unsure of how to complete this, or you have any questions about your Universal Credit and how you pay your rent, please call our Universal Credit Officer, Tracy, on 07543500458. If you are unable to get through, please leave a message on the phone or  email Tracy with your query as well as your name and first line of address.