Universal Credit and welfare benefits
The way people of working age (not retired) claim benefits has changed. Universal Credit replaces these existing benefits:
Universal Credit works differently to the benefits you may already be claiming, so it’s important you know what will change and how it will affect you and your budget.
Since July 2018, it hasn’t been possible to make a new claim for any of the above benefits. You will instead have to make a claim for Universal Credit.
If you are currently claiming one or more of these benefits at either Forest Hill or Bromley Jobcentre Plus, you will be moved onto Universal Credit from November 2020.
We’re here to help you understand these changes and claim all of the benefits you are entitled to.
When you are moving to Universal Credit or considering making a benefit claim, our team can offer advice and support.
We can help you make your claim and put plans in place to stay on top of your rent and service charge payments. If you are finding it difficult to pay your rent or service charges, please contact us as soon as possible and we will work with you get things back on track.
Our experienced team:
Please contact us to make an appointment. You can email the team directly by clicking here.
What you need to know about Universal Credit
Once you submit your application for Universal Credit, it will be a month and a week before your first payment.
It might be harder for you to pay your rent when you first go on Universal Credit. Contact us as soon as possible and we can work with you to put aside a little extra every month so that it'll be easier to pay your rent when you first go on Universal Credit.
The Money Advice Service has more information to help you prepare a budget.
Universal Credit is paid monthly on the same day. So, if you currently receive benefit payments throughout the month, you need to think about how you will budget so your money lasts the whole month.
When you switch to Universal Credit, your Housing Benefit – or Housing Cost Element – will be paid directly to you, rather than to Phoenix as it may currently be.
What you need to claim Universal Credit
1. A bank account
Universal Credit is paid directly into your bank account. Since May 2020, Post Office accounts are not accepted.
Read more about which accounts you can set up to claim Universal Credit here.
2. An email address
You need an email address to complete a claim for Universal Credit on the Internet.
Using the Internet makes it easier to use lots of services, find cheaper deals, and search for new jobs.
3. A phone number
When you apply, you will need to give a phone number.
4. A monthly budget
Some people will be better off on Universal Credit and some will find they receive less money. Before you make an unnecessary claim, contact us so we can let you know how it will affect you.
Eventually, everyone on one of the six benefits listed above will be moved to Universal Credit. However it affects you, we will work with you to make sure that you are as ready as possible for this change.
Claims are made online at www.gov.uk/universalcredit. You can also call on 0345 600 0723 or 0845 6000 723.
We can help you make a claim if you contact us.
When you claim Universal Credit, you will have to do certain things to guarantee the full amount of money you are entitled to. This could include applying for jobs or attending appointments.
If you don’t do these things, you may be sanctioned.
If one person in a couple is over pension credit age, you will no longer be able to claim pension credit. Instead you will need to claim Universal Credit.
If you are on a low income, you may be able to apply for a reduction in your council tax that means you pay less.
To do this, you will need to make a claim online on Lewisham Council’s website.
This Money Manager from the Money Advice Service is designed to help people new to Universal Credit or considering making a claim prepare to do so,
Citizens Advice has plenty of advice on its website on how you might be able to manage any debt.
Citizens Advice Lewisham offers free advice right here at The Green Man. Contact us to find out more and book an appointment.