Universal Credit
You can use a benefits calculator to check what benefits you might be able to get.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people of working age to help with your living costs.
This is administered and paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Universal Credit does not include support towards council tax. If you need help with your council tax you can apply for council tax reduction.
Who can apply
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re:
- on a low income
- out of work
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
- self employed
See GOV.UK to check who can claim Universal Credit.
If you already get other benefits
Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you’re getting a benefit which Universal Credit has replaced, you do not need to do anything, unless:
- your situation changes
- you get a letter called a ‘Migration Notice’ telling you that you must claim Universal Credit.
If you get a Migration Notice, you must complete your application by the date on the letter to keep getting financial support.
See information on move to Universal Credit
How to apply
If you need help with your claim or have questions, contact the Department for Work and Pensions directly.
You can:
- go to your local Jobcentre
- get support from Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim service
You can also view the Universal Credit in action videos to help with your application.
Managing Universal Credit
You must manage your Universal Credit claim online.
Redbridge libraries offer a range of free computer courses if you need help to get online.
You could also ask a relative, friend or neighbour to help.
Universal Credit is paid into a bank, building society or credit union account. You’ll need to set one up if you do not have one already. Go to Money Helper for advice on choosing a bank account for your benefits payments.
Waiting for your claim to be processed
If you do not have enough to live on while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you can apply for an advance on your first payment.
The advance payment is a loan. You will have to pay it back.
Other financial support
- Go to Citizen's Advice for help with debt and rent arrears on Universal Credit
- Use the Money Advice Service
- Get money, benefits and debt advice
