Universal Credit is a single monthly payment which will eventually replace:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income Related Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit will not replace Child Benefit. Find out more about Child Benefit here: https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit
Universal Credit is different to other benefits:
- It will be paid in a single monthly payment into your Bank, Building Society or Credit Union account
- There are no limits on how many hours a week you can work if you're claiming Universal Credit.
Help with Housing Costs
- Any help you get with your rent will be included in your Universal Credit payment
- You will be responsible for paying your rent to your landlord
- In some circumstances requests can be made for payments to be made directly to the landlord
Benefit Calculators
These calculators should be used only as a guide to your potential benefits entitlement as there may be other factors which affect the final amount to which you are entitled to. The amount you calculate may differ to the amount you are eligible to receive.
Universal Credit Full Service
Universal Credit Full Service has been rolling out nationally (beyond London) since May, 2016. The rollout for the residents within Conwy County Borough was:-
- 11th April 2018 for residents covered by Rhyl Job Centre
- 6th June 2018 for residents covered by Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Job Centres
On the above dates the gateway opened to new claims for Universal Credit from:
- Single people
- Single people with 1 or 2 children
- Couples
- Couples with 1 or 2 children
- People who are out of work, including those that are unwell
- People who are in work including the self employed
From 1st February 2019 this was extended to single people and couples with 3 or more children
For more information please visit the Universal Credit website.
I am of working age, when will I have to move from claiming Housing Benefit from Conwy County Borough Council to Universal Credit paid by the Department for Work & Pensions?
When you have a relevant change in your circumstances your Housing Benefit will end and you will be invited to claim Universal Credit and this is referred to as Natural Migration.
If you have not moved over to Universal Credit as part of natural migration there will be a rolling programme of moving you over to Universal Credit, by Managed Migration which should complete by 2025. The start date for Managed Migration within Conwy County Borough has not yet been given.
The Department for Work & Pensions have produced a useful leaflet for Universal Credit for Applicants - Universal Credit and You (PDF).
Universal Support
Benefit Staff of Conwy County Borough Council will be able to look at your possible entitlement and help you claim the following if you need assistance -
- Reduction in your Council Tax charge by claiming Council Tax Reduction
- Reduction in your water rates charge by Dwr Cymru by claiming a reduction
- A referral to a Foodbank for assistance
- Claim help for a Discretionary Housing Payments (cash limited) which is to assist with any shortfall which you cannot manage between your Housing Costs and the amount you are allowed within your Universal Credit entitlement.
Please contact the Benefit Office if you require more information/assistance on telephone number 01492 576491.
Digital Support
Universal Credit Full Service is a digital interactive service.
The Universal Credit Help to Claim Service free telephone service in Wales is: 08000 241 220. Advisers are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
More information on Citizens Advice Conwy - Citizens Advice (Conwy.gov.uk)
Libraries located within Conwy County Borough will provide free access to the internet/use of library computers
Library staff will assist you to set up an email address and show you how to scan, save and upload documents to your Universal Credit account, appointments are not necessary.
The opening hours for Libraries within Conwy County Borough are here: Libraries and Opening Times
Advanced Payments of Universal Credit
If you need financial help before you receive your first payment of Universal Credit and you meet certain conditions set by the Department for Work & Pensions, you can apply for an advanced payment of Universal Credit. This is a loan that you will need to repay from your monthly Universal Credit entitlement within 52 weeks.
If you would like to apply for an advanced payment you will need to contact your Work Coach at your local Job Centre or apply online.
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit