What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work. It merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that you might currently be receiving.
Commonly asked questions
How can I claim Universal Credit?
You can apply for Universal Credit online.
If you need help, the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service provides free support. If you can’t apply online, call the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline for assistance.
If you have received a migration notice and need help to claim Universal Credit, or if you think you might be better off claiming it now, please get in touch with:
Matthew O’Brien
Or fill in the form below and state ‘I would like to know if I should apply for Universal Credit.’
What benefits are replaced by Universal Credit?
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Council Tax Support (although this is not a direct Universal Credit replacement, your Universal Credit claim will affect how you claim and receive this).
- Working Tax Credit
What benefits can be claimed alongside Universal Credit?
Some benefits can be claimed at the same time as Universal Credit, but your Universal Credit payment may be reduced by the amount of those other benefits. These include:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance
- New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Why am I moving over to Universal Credit?
There are two ways you could be moved over to Universal Credit:
- If you need to start or stop claiming a benefit.
- The UK Government is moving people from certain legacy benefits to Universal Credit through a process called Managed Migration. If you receive a Migration notice letter, it’s important to act quickly to continue receiving financial support. If you can’t meet the deadline, contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline on 0800 169 0328 as soon as possible.
If your Universal Credit payments are reduced or stopped
You MUST contact us immediately – call 0303 303 0003 or complete the form below: