Understanding Universal Credit

Understanding Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit?  

Universal Credit (UC) is a benefit that replaces six benefits  

  • Job Seekers Allowance (income related)  

  • Income Support    

  • Employment and Support Allowance (income related)  

  • Working Age Housing Benefit  

  • Child Tax Credit  

  • Working Tax Credit  

Universal Credit (UC) is paid directly to the person claiming benefit and includes housing costs. It’s  normally paid monthly in arrears.   

These benefits are due to be replaced by Universal Credit. This won’t be done automatically.  

What will happen?  

If you’re on one of the above benefits , you’ll receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) called a Migration Notice .  This Migration Notice will explain what you need to do and when you need to claim Universal Credit by. Please be aware if you’re thinking of moving to Universal Credit, before you’ve received your Migration Notice, you might be worse off financially. We’d recommend that you seek advice from Citizen Advice Help to Claim Service.  

What will I need to do when I get the Migration Notice?  

Once you’ve received your Migration Notice, you’ll have three months to claim Universal Credit. If you don’t do anything then your benefits will stop.  The video below shows you how to claim Universal Credit.

Our Universal Credit Helper tool can also hel p you through the application process and provides a useful guide for every step.  

Universal Credit Helper  

Help and Support  

Further help and support is available through:  

  • Contacting our Welfare Benefits Team o n 0300 7 77 2600 who can offer guidance and support if you need it .  

  • The Managed Migration Helpline: 0800 169 0328, (calls are free from mobiles or landlines) or