Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a single monthly benefit that replaces several benefits and tax credits. This page explains what universal credit is, how to apply, what you need before you start, and how it affects your rent and council tax. If you are worried about claiming or managing payments, help is available.

Universal Credit replaces:

• income‑based jobseeker’s allowance
• income‑related employment and support allowance
• income support
• housing benefit
• working tax credit
• child tax credit

You must apply online through the UK Government website.

Before you apply

Before you start you can watch this video which gives you a step-by-step guide to applying online.

It helps to prepare before you start your claim.

You will need:

• your own email address
• access to the internet
• a bank, building society or credit union account
• details of your rent and landlord
• your national insurance number
• details of income, savings and anyone who lives with you

Universal credit is paid monthly in arrears, so there can be a wait of up to five weeks for your first payment. You can ask for a repayable advance if you need money sooner.

How to apply

You can only apply online. If you need help using the internet or completing the form, support is available.

You can get help from:

• citizens advice help to claim
  • call 0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
  • use webchat through the citizens advice website
  • visit your local citizens advice bureau
• your local library or community hub
• jobcentre plus, which can show you where to get free internet access

You can also watch a step‑by‑step video guide on the government website before you begin.

What happens after you apply

Once you submit your claim:

• the department for work and pensions assesses it
• your universal credit account, called your journal, becomes active
• you must keep checking your journal and respond to messages

Your first payment usually arrives within five weeks if you complete all steps promptly.. It is important that you do not delay completing your application so that it can be assessed in line with the timescale set out below.

What you must do while on universal credit

You must:

• report changes in circumstances straight away through your journal
• keep in touch with your work coach
• do activities agreed in your claimant commitment
• update job searches if required
• keep your journal up to date

You also must make a separate claim to us for Council Tax Reduction, as this is not included in Universal Credit.

Paying your rent if you are a council tenant

Universal credit usually pays housing costs to you, not directly to us. This means:

• you are responsible for paying your rent on time
• you must arrange rent payments yourself

After your first payment, you may be able to:

• receive payments monthly or twice monthly
• ask for your rent to be paid directly to us

In some situations, such as rent arrears or vulnerability, we can request a managed payment to landlord. Contact your local housing team as soon as possible if you are worried about paying rent. Always contact us within three working days if you cannot pay, to avoid further action.

Council Tax and Universal Credit

Universal credit does not include council tax. You must:

• apply for Council Tax Reduction as soon as you claim Universal Credit

We will continue to assess:

• Council Tax Reduction
• Discretionary housing payments applications

Extra support and advice

If you are finding Universal Credit hard to manage, help is available from:

• our Rent Income Support Team
• Money Matters Advisory Service
• Citizen Advice Bureau

If you are affected by the under‑occupancy charge (often called the bedroom tax), your Universal Credit will reduce automatically. We may be able to help cover some of the shortfall. Contact the rent income support team for advice.

Useful tips

• tick the housing costs box on your claim, or rent will not be included
• open a bank or credit union account if you do not have one
• make a weekly or monthly budget plan as early as possible