Financial
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Learn about the UK benefits system and
some useful tips that can help you save money
Universal Credit information
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Financial
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs provided by the UK government. It was introduced in 2013 to replace the previous UK benefits systems, including Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support and more.
The video below explains Universal Credit in more detail.
Is claiming Universal Credit the best option for you?
Before you make a claim, it’s important to consider whether Universal Credit is the best option for you.
If you are already getting any of the benefits Universal Credit replaces, you may be better staying on the 'legacy benefit' system. This is especially true if your income is only decreasing for a few weeks.
You can find out what other benefits are available on the gov.uk website.
Click here to read about other benefits on the gov.uk website
Who can claim Universal Credit?
You can claim Universal Credit if you:
- Are on a low income or out of work
- Are 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- Are under State Pension age (or your partner is)
- Have £16,000 or less in savings between yourself and your partner
- Live in the UK.
Use the benefits calculator on GOV.UK to learn your eligibility
Important things to know before you apply
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1.
If you make a claim for Universal Credit, any Tax Credits and/or Housing Benefit you are currently receiving will stop. You will then have to wait around five weeks before you receive any Universal Credit.
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2.
If you make a claim for Universal Credit, you can receive an advance payment, but this is a loan that needs to be repaid.
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3.
For some people, Universal Credit pays less than the Tax Credits and/or Housing Benefit you have already been receiving, meaning that in the long run, you might end up worse off.
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4.
More deductions for debts can be taken from a Universal Credit payment than from a Tax Credit or Housing Benefit payment. This will reduce how much you receive every month.
Claiming Universal Credit
Once you have checked your eligibility for Universal Credit, you can apply easily online using the link below. If you need help with your application, you can reach the Universal Credit helpline on: 0800 328 5644.
Contact our rent team
We offer a free benefits advice service for our tenants and leaseholders, to help them understand which benefits they are eligible for and how to claim them. All the information we discuss is treated confidentially.
Get six months of free broadband
TalkTalk and the Department for Work and Pensions have a scheme where jobseekers can apply for a voucher for six months of free broadband. Your Jobcentre Plus work coach will offer you the vouchers if you qualify.
Learn more about Universal Credit and Benefits
Think you might be eligible to receive Universal Credit or Benefits from the government? There are many different schemes and ways to get support, so it's worth checking.
You can learn more about each scheme, and apply on the government website.