Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. 

It is a government benefit paid monthly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Go to GOV.UK to find out who can claim Universal Credit

Universal Credit and other benefits

Universal Credit has replaced some of the benefits below.

    • Housing Benefit. Except if you are in sheltered accommodation, are of pension credit age you will continue to receive Housing Benefit for help with your rent. 
    • Working Tax Credit
    • Income Related Employment Support Allowance
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Income Related Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Income Support

    From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to some people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead. This process is known as Managed Migration.

    Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same.

    Apply for Universal Credit

    • You can only apply for Universal Credit online. 
    • Universal Credit will be paid directly to one person in the household each month
    • Any help with rent is included in the Universal Credit payment. You are responsible for paying your landlord.

    When you apply, your identity will be checked using verify.gov. Once the application has been submitted and your assessment completed, your first payment should arrive in 5 weeks.

    Apply for Universal Credit

      Support and more information

      Advanced Payments (AP)

      You can request an Advance Payment during the time your application is processed (normally 5 weeks). Advance Payments can be paid within 3 days and cover up to 100% of  your total Universal Credit. The advance is a loan that can be paid back over a 12-month period.

      You can apply for Advance Payments from the JobCentre at interview or via the Universal Credit helpline: 

      Telephone: 0800 328 5644

      Textphone: 0800 328 1344

      Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

      Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA)

      If you can’t manage the standard Universal Credit payment, you can set up Alternative Payment Arrangements. Claimants or landlords can arrange for direct payment to the landlord, splitting of payment between members of a couple or a more frequent payment of benefit. You should speak to your Work Coach at the JobCentre to find out more. Landlords can request APA by completing a UC47 form, available on the Gov.uk website.

      Get help with your claim

      If you have any queries about your claim you can call the Universal Credit helpline for free on:

      Telephone: 0800 328 5644

      Textphone: 0800 328 1344

      Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

      Council Tax Support and Free School Meals

      You must apply for Council Tax Support and Free School Meals separately.

      Get extra help with money

      If you are struggling with money you should speak to your landlord immediately.

      You can get help from these places:

      Welfare Reform Team

      Telephone: 020 8359 2442

      Email:WelfareRefromTaskForce@Barnet.gov.uk 

      Money Advice Service

      Telephone: 0800 138 7777 - calls are free

      Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm

      Saturday, 9am to 1pm

      Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed

      Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk - webchat with an advisor available.

      • Free, impartial money advice
      • Budget planning
      • Alternative to payday loans

      Barnet Citizens' Advice Bureau

      Telephone:
      0300 456 8365
      Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm and until 7.30pm on Wednesdays.

      Website:barnetcab.org.uk

      Free confidential and impartial benefits and debt advice