Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit?
How to claim
Housing costs
Payments
Council Tax Reduction Scheme claimants
How Universal Credit affects Housing Benefit
Are you ready for Universal Credit
Where to get help and support

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age on a low income and is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is a single monthly payment which will eventually replace:

Income Support
income related Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA)
income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit

To check if this affects you, visit Universal Credit.

How to claim

Claims for Universal Credit should be made online.

If you haven't got your own PC, then try to use a computer belonging to a friend or member of your family.

If this isn't possible, you can use a computer free of charge at our Customer Service Centre.

Before making a claim, you need to gather the following information and have it ready:

your postcode
your National Insurance number
details of the bank, building society or Post Office account you want Universal Credit paid into
your rent agreement (if you have one)
details of your savings or other capital
details of any income that’s not from work (e.g. from an insurance plan)
details of any other benefits you’re getting

You might also need these details for people who live in your home (e.g. your partner).

Two child limit on new claims

From April 2026, the Government is removing the two-child limit on Universal Credit. This meals that families can claim the child element for third or subsequent children born after April 2017.

Find out more about the two child limit on Gov.uk.

Existing benefit claimants

If you're already claiming any benefits you don't need to do anything. You'll be told when Universal Credit will affect you.

Housing costs

Universal Credit includes housing costs

Any help you get with your rent will be included in your Universal Credit payment and you will be responsible for paying your landlord. In some circumstances payments can be made direct to the landlord, for example, when there are rent arrears or threat of eviction or you find it difficult to manage payments.

Further information for landlords and tenants to help them prepare for the move to direct payments and what protections and safeguards are in place is available on the Gov.uk website.

If you live in Supported Exempt/Specified Accommodation, as well as claiming Universal Credit you will need to claim Housing Benefit for help with your rent as you will not be entitled to claim the housing element of Universal Credit.

Payments

Help with Council Tax is not included in your Universal Credit payment. The DWP will notify the benefits unit that you have made a claim for Universal Credit, but only if you have requested that they do so. If you have given the DWP permission to share this information and the benefits unit receives confirmation of your entitlement to Universal Credit, your claim for Council Tax Reduction should be automatically assessed, any entitlement will be shown on your Council Tax bill. Should the information provided by the DWP not be sufficient we will contact you.

If you have been on Universal Credit for some time but not in receipt of Council Tax Reduction, you must apply directly through our benefits service.If you delay your claim you may not receive your maximum entitlement.

Do you need help claiming Universal Credit, or do you need support to help you manage? Find out how.

How Universal Credit affects Housing Benefit

Universal Credit is a benefit for working age people and includes help towards housing costs.

We can no longer accept new claims for Housing Benefit if you are of working age* - you will have to claim Universal Credit instead.

You must still make your claim for Council Tax Reduction to us because this is not included in Universal Credit.

*There are a few exceptions for example if you live in supported accommodation.

Pension age people are not affected by Universal Credit and there are no changes to Housing Benefit if you are of pension age.

Do you need help with using the internet or using a computer?

You'll be expected to claim Universal Credit online. This means you need access to a computer and be able to use the internet, or have someone you trust who can help you.

Can you provide valid identification?

You need to provide ID, for example a passport, driving licence or EEA national identity card and evidence of your address.

Do you use an account to manage your money?

Before you can claim Universal Credit, you need an account to receive payment. It can be a bank or building society account or an account with 2 Shires Community Bank.

How often are you paid (from work, tax credits or other benefits)?

Universal Credit is only paid once a month into your account.

You have to pay your bills, expenses and rent (if it’s included) out of your Universal Credit monthly payment so you need to plan your budget around it.

Do you pay rent, or is your rent paid on your behalf?

If your Universal Credit payment included help with rent and some service charges, you will have to pay it to your landlord yourself.

Are you married and living together, or living together with a partner?

You will normally only get one joint Universal Credit payment for you and your partner. You and your partner will need to agree whose account to have it paid in to.

Before you start, have as much of this information to hand as possible:

your postcode
your National Insurance number
your rent agreement (if you have one)
details of your savings or other capital
details of any income that's not from work, e.g. from an insurance plan
details of any other benefits you're getting
details of any children, including their Child Benefit numbers

If you have a partner, you will also need their details.

Don’t forget to make an appointment with your Job Coach, so your claim can start.

Where to get help and support

There are lots of organisations that can help you understand Universal Credit, help you make a claim, and offer advice and support if you're finding it hard to manage.