Help with Universal Credit

Our Universal Credit campaign mascot Bob is here to help you get ready for Universal Credit.

When BOB heard his benefits were changing to become a single monthly Universal Credit payment, he got ready to Bank, go Online and Budget so that he could claim.

Banking

Universal Credit can only be paid into a bank account. Set one up or use the one you already have.

This Money Advice Service website information page explains what you need to do to set one up.

Please get in touch if you need help from our team.

Online

All claims are managed online, so you need to know where you can access the internet and you need the skills to go online.

Digital Communities Wales can tell you where you can find the nearest public computer.

Our Money Advisors can also signpost you to help with using computers and the internet. Please Contact Us.

Budgeting

Universal Credit is paid monthly rather than weekly or fortnightly, so you need to plan your budget. This Money Manager tool by the Money Advice Service will help you start budgeting.

What else did BOB do?

He made an email address
He registered on www.GOV.UK/VERIFY
He started saving a couple of pounds each week so he had money before his first UC payment (it takes at least five or six weeks for your first payment to arrive after you make your claim).

Universal Credit FAQs

Universal Credit is a benefit for people in or out of work.

People making a new claim for benefit will be expected to claim Universal Credit.

It’s different because:

You will only get one monthly payment for your household
Universal Credit will be paid into your bank account
If you’re entitled to help with your rent this will be included in the monthly payment and you will have to pay the rent to United Welsh yourself
You will have to apply for and manage your Universal Credit online
You will still need to claim some benefits separately, like Council Tax Reduction and Personal Independence Payment.

Universal Credit is replacing the benefits below:

Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income Support
Employment Support Allowance (income related)
Job Seekers Allowance (income based).

A change in your personal circumstances.

Here is what could prompt a change:

Found fit for work so ESA stops
Relationship starts or ends
Bereavement
Change in working hours
Loss of job
Becoming a carer
Youngest child turns five
Going back to work after sickness
New claim for Housing Benefit
Moving from one Local Authority to another
Change to jobseekers allowance and income support due to birth of a child

To learn how to make a claim, click on this ‘Understanding Universal Credit’ website information page.

To make your claim process as quick and easy as possible, make sure you’ve got all the following information:

Your National Insurance number and your partner’s National Insurance number
Your postcode
Your email address (you can’t claim without one!)
Your phone number (landline or mobile)
United Welsh’s address: United Welsh, 13 Beddau Way, Caerphilly, CF83 2AX
Your rent (contact us if you’re not sure of the correct amount)
Your tenancy start date
Details of any children / relatives / other people who live with you, including their name, date of birth, relationship to you and income
Details of any savings
Details of any other money you receive
The name and address of your bank, your account number and sort code

Hyde Housing has developed a helpful tool to guide United Welsh residents through the process and help you get the financial support you are entitled to. Click on this Universal Credit helper step-by-step website to use the guide.

The Department of Work and Pensions has also produced this guide to lead you through what you can expect during the Universal Credit claim process.

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