Universal Credit is a new benefit for working age people who are in or out of work.
It has replaced the following benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment:
- Housing Benefit
- Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
- Employment & Support Allowance (income-related)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Any payment for Housing Costs (formerly Housing Benefit) will be made directly to you as part of your Universal Credit award. This means you will have to pay your landlord your full rent. Universal Credit does not include any help for Council Tax reduction, so make sure you apply for this separately. You can do this online.
You may also be entitled to some other support if you are in receipt of Universal Credit. This depends on your personal circumstances.
This short film gives more information on how Universal Credit will work.