Universal Credit
On this page
- What is Universal Credit and how does it work?
- Do I apply for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit?
- Already get Housing Benefit? You’ll need to apply for Universal Credit
- Help with Council Tax
- Help with housing costs
What is Universal Credit and how does it work?
Universal Credit is administered and paid for by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Find out more on the DWP website.
Do I apply for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit?
If you have reached state pension age, you need to apply for Housing Benefit.
If you are working aged, you can apply for Housing Benefit if you live in:
- Supported Accommodation (also known as Specified Accommodation) you can still claim Housing Benefit
- Temporary Accommodation, that is accommodation provided to you by the council if you are homeless
For anyone else of working age, you must apply for Universal Credit instead.
Already getting Housing Benefit? You will need to apply for Universal Credit
If you get Housing Benefit and you’re of working age, you will soon be switched from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit.
This switch won’t be automatic, but the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) will write to you to advise you on what you need to do.
Why am I being switched to Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is simplifying the benefits system by combining these benefits and tax credits into one single monthly payment:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
When do I need to make a claim for Universal Credit?
The DWP is writing to most people who receive these benefits to let them know when they need to claim Universal Credit. This letter is called a ‘Migration Notice’.
When your letter arrives, you must check the date that you will need to apply by, as your Housing Benefit claim will stop by then.
Please don’t ignore your letter as it explains what you need to do next.
It also provides information on the help available as you switch to Universal Credit.
Where can I find out more information?
You can find more information about Universal Credit on the gov.uk website.
Help with Council Tax
Important - you need to know this if you apply for Universal Credit
If you are a Council Tax payer and are on a low income, you may get help with your Council Tax bill through the Council Tax Reduction scheme. To apply, you must complete a Council Tax Reduction application form.
Important: the DWP will not accept an application for Council Tax Reduction or Discretionary Housing Payments - you must apply directly to the council as soon as you can.
Help with housing costs
If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for help with your housing costs from the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme. To apply, you must complete a Discretionary Housing Payments application form.
Important: the DWP will not accept your application for Discretionary Housing Payment - you must apply directly to the council as soon as you can.