What is Universal Credit
Universal Credit will replace a range of benefits for working age people. Whether you claim Universal Credit will depend on your personal circumstances and your postcode. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are responsible for administering Universal Credit.
https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/sign-in
If you are placed in homeless accommodation after 11th April 2018 you will not be able to claim Universal Credit for your housing costs, instead you will need to claim Housing Benefit.
Universal Credit (UC) replaces six the existing benefits with a single monthly payment for people who are out of work or on a low income and making a new claim.
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax credit
Universal Credit aims to:
- Improve claimant’s incentive to work
- Make it easier for them to move in and out of work
- Be easier to understand than the existing benefits system
- Reduce poverty among those on low incomes
- Process changes of circumstance in real time and reduce error
The main difference is that Universal Credit is paid in one monthly payment and claimants are then responsible for budgeting throughout the month and paying bills – including rent.