Universal Credit

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Universal Credit advice
  3. Moving to Universal Credit
  4. Paying your rent

Overview

A new benefit called Universal Credit has started to replace a range of benefits and tax credits for people of working age.

The scheme is being rolled out in South Tyneside on a phased basis. 

If you already claim one of the benefits Universal Credit is due to replace, you will continue to do so as normal until you are told you need to claim Universal Credit instead.

You will be informed directly so you don't need to take action immediately. 

Universal Credit brings together six benefits and tax credits and replaces them with a single monthly payment.

It is replacing the following:

  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit

Any benefits you receive which are not included in the above list will continue to be paid as usual, such as Child Benefit, Carers Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.

Universal Credit will not affect you, if you and your partner (if you have one) are Pension Credit age. 

For more information visit GOV.UK: Universal Credit. 

Universal Credit advice

For advice and information on making a claim, visit: Understanding Universal Credit.

For full details, visit: GOV.UK: Universal Credit.

Moving to Universal Credit

If you claim Tax Credits and live in South Tyneside, you may receive a letter from the Government inviting you to claim for Universal Credit. 

These letters are known as 'Migration Notices' and are part of a process called Managed Migration.

You will need to move to Universal Credit if you've received a Migration Notice, as one or more of your benefits will be ending soon. 

For more information see, South Tyneside Council: Moving to Universal Credit.

Paying your rent

If you are a South Tyneside Council Housing Services tenant, these changes will affect how you now pay your rent.

Once you make the change from your current benefits to receiving Universal Credit, it will be your responsibility to pay your own rent.  

It is important that you know how much you rent is and when it is due so you can manage your payments correctly. 

Read more about paying your rent.