Universal Credit questions answered
RENFREWSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
I’m struggling to make ends meet and I’m worried about affording the basics after my bills are paid.
A friend suggested I apply for Universal Credit but I’m working so I don’t think I’ll get it.
Is there anything I could be entitled to?
Many working people are claiming Universal Credit so it’s really important that you get a benefit check to find out if you might be eligible.
You can call our Universal Credit – Help To Claim Helpline on 0800 028 2581 who can carry out a benefit check and offer support with the Universal Credit claiming process.
You can also check this online – there are many websites for this including Turn2us, Entitledto and Policy in Practice.
You can also ask Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 for a benefit check or contact Advice Works on 0300 300 1238.
When contacting us for a benefits check it’s always useful to have ready the following information: your age, earnings from work, housing costs (rent, mortgage, council tax, service charges etc), who lives with you, any health issues or disabilities, any benefits you are currently receiving and any savings you might have.
They can help identify entitlement to a range of benefits depending on your circumstances and refer you for support with the claiming processes.
I’ve just received a letter telling me that my tax credits are going to stop and that I should claim Universal Credit instead. I’m really worried about this. What can I do?
The UK Government has started the process of moving people from older benefits over to Universal Credit. This is called managed migration. You do not have to claim Universal Credit but you may be worse off if you decide not to.
The letters are called managed migration notices and are currently being sent out to people receiving tax credits only.
The plan is that people on other older benefits will be moved over at a later date.
You should check your letter for your deadline date – this is the date your tax credits will stop and the date by which you should claim Universal Credit.
If you claim earlier than the deadline day then your tax credits will end on the day you claim Universal Credit.
The government has announced that people should not be worse off when changing over from older benefits to Universal Credit. This is called transitional protection. Our advisers on the helpline can explain more about this.
You can call our Universal Credit ‘Help To Claim’ helpline on 0800 028 2581 and they can answer any questions you have about the process. They can also help you with your claim if you are not confident doing it yourself.
We understand how stressful changing benefits can be so it’s really important you speak to someone and get the correct advice.
I’ve just stopped work after several years due to ill health. My partner works fulltime and earns a good salary. We’ve never claimed benefits before and someone mentioned Universal Credit to us. I’m not sure whether to apply.
Firstly, you can speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you would like any advice about your employment ending. We can discuss whether you feel your employment ended fairly and whether your employer has paid all you’re entitled to at the end of your employment.
Secondly, it’s important that you get a full benefit check. You can do this by phoning the Universal Credit ‘Help To Claim’ helpline on 0800 028 2581 to see if you might be entitled. You can also check online at Turn2us, Entitledto, Policy in Practice, etc or by contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to Universal Credit. However, even if you are not entitled to Universal Credit, you may still be entitled to other benefits.
When your employment ends and your national insurance contributions are up to date – usually for the last two tax years – you may be entitled to New Style Employment and Support Allowance ot the new Style Jobseekers Allowance.
These are non-means-tested benefits and therefore do not take into consideration your household income or savings. You could be entitled to £84.80 per week for 12 months or longer if the DWP decide you are eligible.
Depending on your health conditions and how they affect your day-to-day life, you may also consider applying for Adult Disability Payment. Our advisers will be able to explain eligibility and offer support if you are not confident applying yourself.
A change in circumstances can be stressful and have a negative financial impact. It’s important to seek advice whenever you experience a change so you can be sure you’re getting the help you need.