Universal credit
All about Universal Credit, which will eventually replace housing benefit
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.
Universal Credit will eventually replace:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support (IS)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
If you currently receive any of these benefits, you’ll be notified when it’s your time to move onto Universal Credit.
How to apply
You can apply for Universal Credit online.
You need to create an account to make a claim. You must complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account or you will have to start again.
If you live with your partner, you’ll both need to create accounts. You’ll link them together when you claim. You cannot claim by yourself.
If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644
Get help to claim
The Citizens Advice Help to Claim service can help you claim Universal Credit.
Call freephone: 0800 144 8 444
You can also get support in person from Citizens Advice Rutland, 56 High Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AL.
Drop-in times:
- Monday: 10am to 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 1pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 4pm
- Thursday: 10am to 1pm
- Friday: 10am to 4pm