Introduction and how to claim
Universal Credit is a new benefit that is being introduced in stages between 2013 and 2020. It is for people of working age, in or out of work, designed to top up their income to a minimum level. Universal Credit is being rolled out gradually across the country and will replace the following benefits with one application:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
To find out if you are in a universal credit area click here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/
Universal CreditUniversal Credit...
- is for working age people
- is paid once a month on the same day every month
- normally includes your rent which you then have to pay to us
- is paid into a bank account
- is paid in arrears so you may go 5 weeks or more before your first payment
- is claimed on-line
The following information and links will give further details about universal credit:
- Can I claim universal credit in my area? - https://universalcreditinfo.net/
- What do I need to do before I apply for universal credit? – http://ucpp.dwp.gov.uk/universal-credit-preparation/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0CJHk6GO0I
- Where do I apply for universal credit - https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
- Can I get an advance payment while I wait for my first universal credit payment? – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances
- Can I get help opening a bank account? – https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/hub/bank-accounts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZoc2Cv3BAE
- Where can I get further information -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-an-introduction/an-introduction-to-universal-credit
- Are there any useful videos on You Tube? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7GUu7Xa7Nw
- I struggle now with budgeting is there any help I can get? - There is support available if you need help with budgeting and managing your money. You can also speak to your Customer Account Officer who may be able to refer you to the Aster Support service. Or you can click on the link below for additional information on where to get budgeting assistance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfnLgHeFySQ
- I am on a zero hours contract how does this affect my Universal credit? - If you are working and recently made a claim for universal credit or you are already claiming Universal Credit and working. Please read the link below on how different payment frequencies are dealt with, within Universal Credit
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles