Universal Credit is a single payment for working age people who are on a low income regardless of whether they are in work, looking for work, too ill to work or caring for someone.
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears and replaces:
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you are of Pension age, you will not be affected by Universal Credit and should still claim Housing Benefit.
If you pay Council Tax and want to claim help with this you should make a claim with the Council (external link)
Universal Credit affects new claimants only. If you already claim benefits you will remain on the previous system for now unless your circumstances change.