Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people who are of working age and on a low income, and is administered by the Department of Work and Pension. In Cardiff, from February 2018 it combines and replaces the following benefits and tax credits for most working-age people who need to make new claim for:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
Universal Credit will not replace Child Benefit. Find out more about Child Benefit on the central government website.
If any of the following applies, you will be unable to make a claim for Universal Credit.
- You and your partner are pension age
- You're staying in a refuge, hostel or some types of supported or temporary housing
When will Universal Credit affect you?
Universal Credit is being introduced gradually, starting with those who need to make a new claims, but eventually everyone in receipt of these benefits will have to claim Universal Credit.
If you are already claiming one or more of these benefits, 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.
How to claim Universal Credit
Where can you go for help?
If you don’t have access to a computer or the internet you will be able to access a computer at your local Job Centre Plus or your local Hub.
You can also contact the Universal Credit Helpline for more information and advice on:
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
If you are already in receipt of Universal Credit, but are still struggling to cover your housing costs, you may be able to claim Discretionary Housing Payments.
For help getting back to work and getting online, you can visit the Into Work Service page.