Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single, monthly, means tested benefit for working age people that replaces income support, income-based job seekers allowance, income related employment and support allowance, child tax credit, working tax credit and housing benefit.
Universal Credit includes support for adults and children plus your housing costs (rent). It is paid if you are in work, out of work or are unable to work due to sickness.
If you are working, your Universal Credit will reduce as your earnings rise.
When you claim Universal Credit, you will need to create on online ‘Journal’. This will allow you to report any changes, get support and exchange messages. For help on creating a Universal Credit online Journal, see video below:
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Common Questions about Universal Credit
If you have an existing Universal Credit claim, you can get support via your Work Coach or via messages on your online journal. If you are a Pobl customer, you can contact us for support and advice via the contact page
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How is Universal Credit Paid?
Universal Credit will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. This will be paid monthly in arrears. You will wait around five weeks for your first payment, so it is important to plan and think about what you will live on for the first five weeks.
It is possible to apply for an ‘advance payment’ with Universal Credit to cover part or all of the five weeks, however, this will then be deducted from your future payments across 12 months. This option should be thought about carefully and only used if really needed, and remember, the less borrowed for an advance payment, the more you will have each month going forward.
Universal credit is made up of different amounts depending on your circumstances and has two parts:
Standard Allowance – This replaces the old entitlements such as income support or income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
Personal Element – This will include your housing costs (rent) as well as things like childcare costs and extra benefit if you are disabled or are a carer.
Universal Credit will replace
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
Universal Credit will NOT replace
- Child Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence
- Payment Help to pay your Council Tax*
* if you have an existing Universal Credit claim, you can get support via your Work Coach or via messages on your online journal. If you are a Pobl customer, you can contact us for support and advice via *contact us page link*.
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What do I need to do?
- Prepare for the first five weeks, think about what you will live on before you get your first payment.
- If you don’t already have one, make sure you open a bank, building society or credit union account.
- Make sure you have an email address, if not you will need to set one up.
- Keep proof of any debts you have.
- Manage your household budget using a planner.
- Ensure your rent account is one month in credit. We can help you work out a payment plan for you to make manageable payments.
