Universal Credit
Do you receive Housing Benefit and have rent clear weeks?
If your annual rent charge is spread evenly over a 48-week period (instead of 52 weeks), you are currently on Housing Benefit and you recently received a Migration Notice letter - please avoid moving to Universal Credit during the weeks commencing 24/03/2025 and 31/03/2025. Migrating during this period will mean losing the additional two-week Housing Benefit run on payment you are due to receive when transitioning to Universal Credit.
However, if the migration deadline stated in your letter is within these dates, we would advise you to move to Universal Credit and make your claim before the deadline - even if this means missing out on your Housing Benefit run on payment.
If you have any questions about migrating to Universal Credit and when to make the move, please call us on 0300 5000 926 and ask to speak to a Customer Income Advisor.
On Tax Credits or receive Housing Benefit, JSA, IS or ESA?
You’ll have received a leaflet from the government about these benefits being replaced by Universal Credit (UC).
Your Migration Notice letter will arrive in the coming months and ask you to complete an online application for UC. You’ll need to make the switch within the period stated in your letter.
Please note – if you apply for UC too early, you could be worse off financially and lose your transitional protection payment. You might be better off making the move to UC closer to the end of the period stated in your letter.
Avoid relying solely on online benefit calculators - they often can’t account for transitional protection and may even incorrectly advise that you will not be entitled. To understand how the migration to UC could affect you, please get in touch and ask to speak with one of our Customer Income Advisors.
For help making a claim, visit the gov.uk website for more information 
.
Alternatively, we have a team ready to help you make a claim or work out which benefits you're entitled to. We can also help you with any money worries. Please call us on 0300 5000 926 and ask to speak to the Customer Accounts team.
Find out more about Universal Credit
FAQs
Universal Credit is the name for the new benefits system being rolled out by the Government. It combines the old six benefits into one monthly payment.
Universal Credit is replacing:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Working tax credits
This government website includes a quick summary on how Universal Credit can help if you’re in work, looking for work or unable to work.
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you're:
- On a low income or out of work
- 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- Under state pension age (or your partner is)
The number of children you have won’t affect your eligibility for Universal Credit but it may affect how much you get paid.
Receiving any of the old benefits?
If you're currently receiving Housing Benefit, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support Allowance or Tax Credits, you might be better off on Universal Credit. You can find out more by using a benefit calculator.
You may need to claim Universal Credit if you're circumstances change - like becoming unemployed, a partner moving in or out, having a child or moving house, as you can no longer make a claim for Tax Credits or Housing Benefit.
If your circumstances aren't changing, you'll be contacted to move to Universal Credit via managed migration. You'll receive a migration notice giving you 3 months to make your application. If you receive this notice and need assistance, contact our Customer Accounts team on 0300 5000 926.
Usually, yes – if you move on to Universal Credit any help you get towards your rent will be paid directly to you as part of one monthly payment. You'll then need to remember to pay us each month.
The easiest way to pay is to set up a direct debit to come out of your bank account after your Universal Credit is paid each month. Find out more about our ways to pay.
Some claimants will be able to have their housing costs paid direct to their landlord . If you think this would help you, contact your case manager via your online Universal Credit journal. If you need help with this, please contact our Customer Accounts team on 0300 5000 926.
Get straight to the answers you need by clicking the box which matches where you are in your Universal Credit journey.
Whether you’re just finding out about Universal Credit, getting ready for the interview or already living on Universal Credit, we’ve got the information you need.
If you're still not sure, send us an email or call us on 0300 5000 926 – we can help.
If you want more detailed information go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit . Alternatively, visit the Government's website www.gov.uk/universal-credit
How to apply for Universal Credit
All the key things you need to know to prepare and apply – including the documents and other information you’ll need.
Universal Credit account, journal and sanctions
Some top tips about your online Universal Credit account, journal and sanctions (plus what to do if your payment is stopped and how to appeal).
Universal Credit interview, work coach and activities
Get ready for these key stages, including things you could be asked about and how to prepare for your claimant commitment interview
Worried about mounting rent arrears or debts
Find out more about managing debt, making the most of your money and getting more support with your finances.
Better Off Calculator
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