Universal Credit is a new benefit which is gradually being introduced to replace a range of other benefits. So far it has only been implemented in certain areas in the UK, and if you’re not living in one of these areas you can continue to claim your usual benefits until you’re notified about when the new system will start affecting you.
Claimant Commitment
Every individual applying for Universal Credit will first need to accept a ‘Claimant Commitment’, which will include certain tasks you agree on doing in order to receive the benefit. These tasks will vary depending on things like your health, your responsibilities at home, or how much support you need to get paid work or increase your income.
Universal Credit payments
Universal Credit will be paid monthly into your bank, building society or Post Office account, and will be just one single benefit payment each month.
You can calculate how much money you will be entitled to using an online Universal Credit Calculator.
Benefits replaced by Universal Credit
Universal Credit will replace the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
Universal Credit will not replace the following benefits:
- Child Benefit
- Carers Allowance
- Council Tax Benefit
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment) replacing DLA
Changes to your benefits
Anyone currently receiving benefits will be changed over to Universal Credit between 2015-2017. You will be notified by letter when your area is switching to Universal Credit, but until then you can continue to claim your normal benefits.
Anyone newly applying for Universal Credit will need to apply online.
Helpline
For more advice or information you can contact the Universal Credit helpline on the numbers below.
Telephone: 0345 600 0723
Textphone: 0345 600 0743