Universal Credit – your questions

Will I be worse off under Universal Credit?

Universal Credit will make some people better off, some worse off, and some will stay about the same. You can work out how much money you are likely to be entitled to under Universal Credit with this online calculator.  

If you are unsure how to use this tool, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “I have just moved on to Universal Credit and I want to know how much money I will get”. 

Do I have to pay rent when I am on Universal Credit?

Yes. It is always the tenant's responsibility to ensure that rent gets paid, whether this is from benefits or any other income. 

If you currently receive Housing Benefit and you have to claim Universal Credit because of a change in circumstances, Housing Benefit will continue for two weeks and then stop.  

Once you apply for Universal Credit, your payments will include an amount towards your rent called a 'housing element'. You will have to pay the rent yourself, rather than the council paying it directly to Broadland as it does with Housing Benefit. 

Universal Credit is for working age people only. If you have reached state pension age (66), you should claim Housing Benefit for help with your rent. 

Another situation where you must claim Housing Benefit is if you live in temporary or supported housing. In this situation, it is possible to claim Housing Benefit and Universal Credit at the same time. 

If you are unsure about whether you should claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit for help with your rent, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208 or email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org or fill in the form below and say, “Should I apply for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit?” 

I don’t have access to a computer/ I can’t use the internet. How shall I apply?

Although the DWP says you can only apply for Universal Credit online, it is possible to make a claim by telephone. However, this is only in exceptional circumstances where you cannot use digital technology or access the internet. 

We recommend that you ask friends and family to help you claim using their computer or smartphone. You can also ask your local council or Citizens Advice for help. They can provide access to computers and assistance to claim. 

If you need help to apply for Universal Credit using a different method, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org or fill in the form below and say, “I need help to apply for Universal Credit?” 

Do I have to claim Universal Credit when it is rolled out in my area?

No. Although Universal Credit is now available in every area in the UK, this doesn’t mean you have to claim it.

In most cases, when there is a change of circumstances it makes sense to claim Universal Credit to replace a loss of income.

But there can be situations where remaining on legacy benefits is the preferred option. Equally, there might also be situations where you would be better off claiming Universal Credit than staying on your current benefits. It is important to realise that once you claim Universal Credit, you have to stay on it because it is not possible to make new claims for the benefits Universal Credit replaces. 

If you are unsure whether or not to claim, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org or fill in the form below and say, “Can you help me decide if I should apply for Universal Credit?” 

How many hours can I work before my Universal Credit changes?

It doesn't matter how many hours you work. The money you receive is adjusted according to how much income (earned and unearned) you receive in each monthly assessment period. 

If you would like to know more about how your earnings will affect your Universal Credit amount, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org or fill in the form below and say, “Can you clarify what my income will be under Universal Credit?” 

What supporting documents do I need to claim Universal Credit?

You’ll need the following information to make a claim: 

• your bank, building society or credit union account details 
• an email address
• information about your housing - for example, how much rent you pay
• details of your income - for example, payslips
• details of savings and any investments - for example, shares or a property that you rent out
• details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs

If you don't have all the relevant information, or you are unsure, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “What supporting documents do I need to apply for Universal Credit?” 

My partner is moving in with me. One of us claims UC and one is on old benefits. Will we have to make a new claim?

If 2 people move into together as a couple, it counts as a change in circumstances. 

If your partner is receiving an existing income-based benefit, this will end, and they will need to be added to your Universal Credit claim. You can do this by reporting a 'change of circumstances' in your Universal Credit account.  

If you are unsure, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org or fill in the form below and say, “I need help with reporting a change of circumstances”. 

Can I claim Council Tax Support when I’m on Universal Credit?

Yes, but you will need to claim it separately through your local council. It is called ‘Council Tax Reduction’ or ‘Council Tax Support’. Each council has its own rules for how much support it can provide towards your Council Tax bill.  

A number of councils use the Anglia Revenues Partnership to administer Council Tax Support applications: 

• Breckland District Council
• East Cambridgeshire District Council 
• East Suffolk Council 
• Fenland District Council 
• West Suffolk Council 

If you live in one of these Anglia Revenues Partnership areas, you can make a claim here.

For all other areas, search 'council tax reduction' on your local council website and follow the steps to apply. 

If you are unsure, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “What should I do about council tax when I'm on Universal Credit?” 

I don’t want to pay my rent to Broadland myself. Can I change this?

It depends on your circumstances. Alternative payments can be set up, but only if you meet the following criteria:

• severe rent arrears
• severe debt problems
• difficulty reading or writing
• learning disability or mental health condition
• you have an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction
• you are under 18 years old or a care leaver
• you are homeless or in supported accommodation
• domestic abuse
• family with multiple complex needs

If you think that any of these criteria apply to you and would like to request an alternative payment, please contact us to discuss your options.

Call Matt O'Brien on 01603 750208, email Matthew.OBrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “I am on Universal Credit but I want rent paid direct to you”.

I want Universal Credit to pay my rent to Broadland. Is this possible?

Yes, it is possible for the housing element in Universal Credit to be paid to Broadland in certain circumstances. For example, if you:  

• have severe rent arrears 
• have severe debt problems 
• have difficulty reading or writing 
• have a learning disability or mental health condition 
• have an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction 
• are under 18 years old or a care leaver 
• are homeless or in supported accommodation 
• are experiencing domestic abuse 
• are a family with multiple complex needs 

If you think that any of these criteria apply to you and would like to request an alternative payment arrangement, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “I am on Universal Credit but I want rent paid direct to you”. 

I’m going to run out of money in the waiting period. What can I do?

There are several options if you are in this situation. It is best to talk through each of them on a 1-to-1 basis. 

If you think you are going to run out of money in the waiting period, or if you are already in this situation, call Matt O’Brien on 01603 750208, email matthew.obrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “I have applied/will apply for Universal Credit and I am struggling in the waiting period”. 

I’m going to run out of money in the waiting period. What can I do?

There are several options if you are in this situation. It is best to talk through each of them on a one-to-one basis.

If you think you are going to run out of money in the waiting period, or if you are already in this situation, call Matt O'Brien on 01603 750208, email Matthew.OBrien@broadlandgroup.org, or fill in the form below and say, “I have applied/will apply for Universal Credit and I am struggling in the waiting period”.

What counts as a change in circumstances?

Changes which could mean a claim for Universal Credit is required include (but are not limited to): 

• a change in family circumstances, for example, the birth of a child 
• a partner leaving or joining your household 
• a change in employment status, for example, stopping work or reducing your hours 
• moving home or starting a new tenancy 
• starting or stopping being a carer 
• starting or stopping a claim for a disability benefit 

If you are still unsure, see this comprehensive guide about changes of circumstances which can lead to a claim for Universal Credit.