People who are claiming Tax Credits will soon be moving to Universal Credit - this process is called 'managed migration'.
People claiming:
- income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) will move to Universal Credit from September 2024
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only will move to Universal Credit from Autumn 2024 (TBC)
- ​Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with Housing Benefit will move to Universal Credit from Autumn 2024 (TBC)
You can find out more about the 'managed migration' process and wider timeline here.
Making a claim for Universal Credit
Before you make a Universal Credit claim you'll need an email address and the following information:
- Your name, address and phone number
- Details of your income and savings
- Bank account details
- Childcare costs details (if applicable)
- Housing costs details (rent/mortgage costs and the name and address of your landlord/mortgage provider)
- Proof of identity (such as your driving licence, passport or debit or credit card)
- Most people should claim Universal Credit online. If you can't use digital services at all (for example due to disability) you can contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644
Reporting changes to your Universal Credit
If you have a change in your circumstances, it's important you report this as soon as possible to prevent you being under or over paid Universal Credit.
The types of changes you'll be able to report are:
- Your rent going up or down
- Moving to a new address
- Changing your bank details
- Finding or finishing a job
- Changes to your earnings (only if you're self-employed)
- People joining or leaving your household, such as having a baby, a partner moving in or leaving, or children leaving home
- Starting to care for a child or disabled person
- Changes to your health
- Becoming too ill to work or meet your work coach
Universal Credit and Telling the DWP about your Change in Rent
If you're on Universal Credit you MUST tell the DWP about your change in rent and resubmit your housing costs on your online Universal Credit journal.
Sign into your Universal Credit journal at
www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/sign-in
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support is a Council Tax discount. It reduces the amount of Council Tax you must pay. The size of the discount you get depends on your income. There's a maximum discount of 75%, unless you qualify as a member of a protected group.
You may be eligible for Council Tax Support if you:
- live in the UK
- are on a low income
- pay Council Tax
Council Tax Support is NOT claimed for or covered by Universal Credit. If you'd like help to make a claim please contact our Money Matters Team or your local council, alternatively you can apply online via your local councils’ website.
If you need help, please contact our Money Matters Team on 0113 386 1000 or moneymatters@lfha.co.uk