Our Money Matters team talk Universal Credit

Benefits are changing over to Universal Credit. If you already receive benefits, you’ll get a notice from the Jobcentre asking you to switch to Universal Credit. This process is known as Managed Migration, and the benefits that are being replaced include: 

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

• Income Support (IS) 

• Child Tax Credits (CTC) 

• Working Tax Credits (WTC) 

• Housing Benefit (HB) 

If you’re making a new application for benefits, you’ll apply for Universal Credit, rather than the individual benefits above. 

How much Universal Credit will I get? 

Universal Credit (UC) consists of a standard allowance along with additional payments for housing costs, children, caregiving, illness, or disability, depending on your eligibility. The amount of UC you’re entitled to can change every month depending on any other income you may have or if your circumstances change. 

UC is paid directly to one member of the household into a bank, building society or credit union account. Generally, UC is set up as a monthly payment. 

What are the key features of Universal Credit? 

There are a few key elements of Universal Credit that make it different from other legacy benefits, mainly: 

• If you’re required to make a claim for UC, then the first stage is to make an online claim. You’ll need to manage your claim online via your Online Journal. 

• When you make a claim, you’ll be asked to input your personal details including your National Insurance number. You’ll also need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who your landlord is and provide information about your tenancy. 

• UC is online only so no paper forms will be available. To apply, you’ll need a bank account, a mobile phone, and an email address. Support will be available for those who are unable to use or access the internet. 

• The second stage of the application process is to go to a face-to-face interview at a Jobcentre Plus office with a Work Coach. 

• You may have to wait up to 5 weeks for your first payment. 

• You may be eligible for an advance payment to help you while you wait, this must be paid back through deductions from your monthly payment. 

• If you’re entitled to the housing costs element of UC, you’ll receive this as part of your monthly payment. This is different to a Housing Benefit as it is your responsibility to pay your rent to your landlord. 

• UC payments will reduce gradually as your other earnings increase so you won’t lose all your benefits at once, especially if you take on more work. 

How to claim Universal Credit  

To claim Universal Credit, you’ll need: 

• A mobile phone or other device that can receive text messages 

• An email address 

• Your National Insurance number 

• Your rent details and landlord’s address 

• Details of any earnings and other income, including childcare costs 

• Access to a computer or device connected to the internet 

• Photo ID such as a passport or driving licence 

• A bank account or similar account for the money to be paid into. 

Head to the Gov.uk website to make a claim for Universal Credit. 

Universal Credit Telephone Lines 

The Universal Credit Helpline is 0800 328 5644 or you can ring Citizens Advice Help to Claim service on 0800 144 8444. Both numbers are free on landlines and mobile phones. 

Helpful resources 

You might find the following resources helpful too: 

• Introduction video from the DWP about moving from 'legacy' benefits to Universal Credit (2 min watch) 

• Step-by-step video guide from the DWP explaining how to make a Universal Credit claim (9 min watch) 

• Easy-read booklet about the move to Universal Credit (5 min read) 

• Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK 

• Universal Credit - Citizens Advice 

• Our blog on more information on the Managed Migration process: 

If you’d like to chat about your finances, our Money Matters team are here to help get you back on track with support across a range of financial issues and potential claims for benefits.  

You can email the team at moneymatters@lfha.co.uk or call on 0113 386 1000.