Where to get help and support

There are lots of organisations that can help you understand Universal Credit (UC), help you make a claim, and offer advice and support if you're finding it hard to manage.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

the DWP aim to deliver support and information to help those affected to understand the changes and prepare for the move to Universal Credit
for further information, you can contact the DWP on the Universal Credit helpline: 0345 600 0723 or visit the Universal Credit web pages for more information
further information for landlords and tenants to help them prepare for the move to direct payments and what protections and safeguards are in place

Contribution based benefits

You may be able to claim contribution benefits with, or instead of Universal Credit, depending on your National Insurance record.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you are ill or have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

New Style Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.

Job Centre

your local job centre will be able to advise you on Universal Credit, payments and budgeting support, if you find it difficult to manage your monthly payment please speak to your work coach
if you need financial help before your UC payment is due and meet certain conditions, you can ask for an advanced payment - please note that future payments will be reduced to pay for this advance

Money Advice Service

information to help you understand more about Universal Credit and financial budgeting is also available on the Money Helper website
if you are currently claiming benefits and you want to know how Universal Credit might affect you in the future, you can use the Universal Credit Personal Planner to get a personal statement to find out what changes you may need to make to get ready for Universal Credit

How we can help you

Our Customer Services team can:

give general advice on Universal Credit, including how your council rent account may be affected
discuss managed payments
advise and take your claim for Council Tax Support and Discretionary Housing Payments
give advice on Housing Benefit for UC claimants reaching State Pension age or moving into supported accommodation

Call us on 01246 345484 / 01246 345507 or visit us at the Customer Service Centre.

Council tenants

If you are a council tenant and might have trouble paying your rent while waiting for your Universal Credit payment to come through, please contact our rents team as soon as possible to let us know.

Online calculators:

Getting access to a computer

If you don't have a computer or mobile device that you can use to make your claim for Universal Credit, there are several places that you can free internet access and help:

Other agencies that can offer advice and support:

Last updated on 21/08/2024