Universal Credit – What You Need To Know – 7 Feb 2018
Universal Credit is being phased into Cardiff, starting this month. It is a new, single monthly payment to replace the following benefits and tax credits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
It will not replace Child Benefit, and it will not replace Contribution-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Contribution-Based Employment and Support Allowance, unless you receive one of these benefits and have housing costs. Then, you will also claim Universal Credit to help with these costs instead of Housing Benefit.
To begin with, only single unemployed working age people will be affected by this change.
If you are already claiming one or more of the benefits listed above, you will not be affected until the Department of Work and Pensions contacts you.
However, if you are claiming them and your partner moves in with you and she/he is claiming Universal Credit, you will have to claim Universal Credit together.
You will not be able to claim Universal Credit during this initial stage if you:
- are part of a couple
- are responsible for any children
- have caring responsibilities
- are not fit for work
- are homeless or live in supported or temporary accommodation
- are a homeowner
- are in education or on a training course
How to apply
You apply for Universal Credit online, and you will need an email address. You will also need to attend a meeting with your Job Centre work coach to complete your claim and provide any evidence requested. Click here for Cardiff Council’s Universal Credit Checklist.
If you can’t get online at home, you can use a computer at the Central Library Hub, your local Job Centre Plus or your local library.
If you need help, phone the Universal Credit Helpline for free on 0800 328 5644 or 0800 328 9344.
[https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Benefits-and-Grants/Universal-Credit/universal-credit-checklist/Pages/default.aspx]
http://www.jostevens.co.uk/universal_credit_what_you_need_to_know
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