Benefits - Universal Credit
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Description
Universal Credit is a simple, single payment for people in work or out of work.
Universal Credit will be paid in a different way to current benefits:
- It will be paid monthly into an account you choose
- If you get help with your rent, this will be included in your monthly payment - you'll then pay your landlord yourself
- If you and your partner are both eligible, you will get one monthly payment for the household
If you live in the Highland Council area and wish to make a new claim for benefit you must apply for Universal Credit. You can apply for Universal Credit if all the following apply:
- You’re 18 or over
- You’re under State Pension age
- You have less than £16,000 in savings
- You’re not in full time education or training
You may still get Universal Credit if you’re 16 or 17 or a full time student.
Housing Benefit (for those under pension age), Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are ending, and the Department for Work and Pensions will be moving people across to Universal Credit by 2024.
Many people who switch to Universal Credit could be financially better off. You could take advantage of this by choosing to move to Universal Credit earlier if you think it’s right for you.
If you choose to apply sooner, it’s important to get independent advice before you do as you won’t be able to go back to your current benefit. You can use an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit.
You will not be able to claim help with your Council Tax within Universal Credit. You will need to complete a Council Tax reduction form.
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Who can claim
Dependent on your circumstances you may be eligible for Universal Credit if you’ve just become unemployed.
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How to claim
Claim Universal Credit online.
Call the Universal Credit helpline on:
Phone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344 -
Further information