Universal Credit

Universal Credit is being introduced across the UK. You should keep claiming your current benefits as usual until you’re told to switch to Universal Credit.

You need to apply for Universal Credit online. If you don’t have internet at home, you can use a computer at your local library or Jobcentre.

If you need help with your claim, call us on 0344 736 0066 or contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Get Ready to Claim

Before you apply, it’s a good idea to:

• Choose a bank account that can receive automated payments

• Set up regular payments for rent and bills

• Plan your budget monthly instead of weekly

• Make sure you can get online, either at home, the library or Jobcentre

• Set up an email address if you don’t already have one

What You’ll Need

When you apply, have this information ready:

• Your National Insurance number (and your partner’s if needed)

• Your postcode

• Your landlord’s name and address

• Your eligible rent amount (this may be different from your full rent – contact us if you’re not sure)

• Details of anyone who lives with you

• Bank account details for your payments

• Any savings you have

• Your expected monthly wage (if you’re working)

• Details of any other income

• Your email address and phone number

Once you’ve made your claim, you may be asked to go to the Jobcentre. They might need to see documents and talk to you about your budget.

If anything changes, like your job, income or who lives with you, you must report it online.

You’ll also need to make a separate claim for Council Tax Support through your local council.

Universal Credit is paid once a month into a bank account that you choose. If you and your partner both claim Universal Credit, you’ll need to decide which account the money goes into.

Your first payment will arrive four to six weeks after you make your claim. You may need to wait an extra seven days before the first payment. This is part of the government’s rules for new claims.

If you think monthly payments will be hard to manage, you can ask for your Universal Credit to be paid every two weeks. You’ll need to explain why monthly payments won’t work for you.

If you’re worried about money while you wait for your first payment, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for an advance. You can do this at your first interview or by calling 0345 600 0723. You’ll need to pay the advance back from your future Universal Credit payments.

The amount of Universal Credit you receive depends on your personal circumstances. This includes:

• You and your partner’s income

• Whether you have children

• Any disabilities or health conditions that affect your ability to work

Most people will get about the same as they do now from benefits. Some people may get more, and some may get less.

To check what you might receive, visit Gov.uk (this link will open in a new window). 

To get Universal Credit, you’ll need a bank, building society or credit union account. If you don’t have one, you can apply for one online or in person.

Here are two helpful guides:

• Credit Union current accounts (this link will take you to the Money Helper website) – Credit unions offer accounts to people who may have been turned down elsewhere. You can pay in money, get benefits paid in, and use online banking. Some accounts may charge a small monthly fee.

• Bank accounts for Universal Credit (this link will take you to the Money Helper website) – This guide explains how to choose and open a bank account, including what to do if you’re refused or don’t have ID.

If you can’t open a bank account, you may still be able to get your Universal Credit using the Payment Exception Service. This lets you collect your money using vouchers at a Post Office or PayPoint.

To get Universal Credit, you’ll need to agree to a Claimant Commitment. This is a plan that sets out what you must do to keep getting your payments.

Here’s what it usually means:

• If you’re able to work but don’t have a job, you’ll need to look for work. Most people are expected to spend up to 35 hours a week job hunting.

• If you have children under 13, you may be asked to do fewer hours.

• If you already work part-time or earn a low wage, you may need to show you’re trying to get more hours or better pay.

If you don’t follow your Claimant Commitment, your Universal Credit may be reduced. This is called a sanction.

If you’re sanctioned and struggling with money, you can apply for a Hardship Payment. This is a loan and must be paid back later.

If you’ve been sanctioned and think it’s wrong, we can help check and challenge the decision.

Universal Credit is paid once a month. The amount you get may change each time, depending on any other income you receive.

It’s a good idea to make a monthly budget. This means listing:

• All the money you receive

• All the bills and spending you need to cover

Budgeting helps you stay in control of your money and make sure you can pay your bills until your next payment.

If you’re worried about how to manage your money, we can help. Call us on 0344 736 0066 for budgeting and money advice.

Paying your rent on time is very important. It helps protect your tenancy and prevents you from falling behind.

If you miss rent payments, you could go into arrears and risk losing your home.

If you are ever worried about paying your rent, please contact us as soon as possible. Call 0344 736 0066, we are here to help, and the earlier you speak to us, the more support we can offer.

We also suggest paying a little extra towards your rent before you apply for Universal Credit. This can help you avoid arrears while your claim is being processed.

If you or your partner are Pension Credit age, you may still need to claim Universal Credit, unless you are already getting Pension Credit.

If you are awarded Pension Credit, you will not need to claim Universal Credit.

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. You may also get help with housing costs, Council Tax, NHS costs, and more.

To find out more:

• Visit the Pension Credit page on GOV.UK (this link will take you away from our website).

• Or call 0800 731 7898

If you need advice about money or debt, we are here to help. You can call us on 0344 736 0066 or email info@regenda.org.uk. 

There are also national organisations that offer free, confidential and impartial advice:

Money Helper – Government-backed service offering free help with budgeting, benefits, pensions and debt. You can use online tools or speak to someone by phone. Visit the Money Helper website (this link opens in a new tab and will take you away from our site).

Step Change – A leading UK debt charity offering free expert advice and support. They help with debt management plans, budgeting and dealing with creditors. Visit the Step Change website (this link opens in a new tab will take you away from our site).

National Debtline – A free, independent charity offering confidential advice by phone, webchat or online tools. They support people with all types of debt and money worries. Visit the National Debtline website (this link opens in a new tab and will take you away from our site).