Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single payment introduced by the government for people who are looking for work or on a low income. It replaces six other benefits including Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
Upcoming Universal Credit cut
In April 2020 the Government increased Universal Credit by £20 a week to help people manage during the coronavirus pandemic.
This extra Universal Credit is due to be cut for all claimants this autumn. Most people will lose around £87 a month.
The exact date you will notice the cut will depend on the day you get your Universal Credit. It is likely that all claimants will see a change between 13 October and 12 November.
We want to make sure you are in the best position to deal with the reduction in your Universal Credit.
Here's three steps you should take before the Universal Credit cut
Arrange to speak to our Money Support team
We are offering 30 minute appointments to check you are getting everything you are due. We can also check if you can get extra help with your rent through a discretionary housing payment or up to 50% off your water rate. Book an appointment in our calendar and we will call you on the number you give us.
Book an appointment Book an appointmentComplete the Benefit and Budgeting Calculator
Follow the steps to see what the average cost are for bills and where you may be able to save money. Choose “add scenario” to see how your money could change if your circumstances change. Choose “send to adviser” to send your results to our money support team who will contact you with advice.
Complete the calculator Complete the calculatorSet up a Direct Debit
Switch to a Direct Debit to give you that peace of mind so you can forget about having to make regular payments. Those of you who pay by monthly direct debit are less likely to owe rent.
Set up a Direct Debit Set up a Direct DebitLooking to reskill to earn more?
Our Skills Foundations can provide you with the skills to put you on a new career path. We currently have exciting opportunities available in care, transport and construction.
Skills Foundation opportunities Skills Foundation opportunitiesWork and training support with Livin Futures
We go above and beyond to help our tenants to get into work. There are many ways we can help you as a Livin tenant, from free training opportunities to matching you with local job vacancies and improving your job hunting skills.
Work and training support Work and training support
Apply for Universal Credit
If you claim Universal Credit and have had a change in circumstances due to coronavirus, or need to make a new claim, please visit the government's Universal Credit website.
In some situations an immediate claim for Universal Credit may not be the best answer; you may be better off if you claim alternative benefits or delay your claim until you have received any pay you are entitled to from previous jobs. For this reason, we would always suggest that you get advice from someone before making a claim.
If you're a tenant, our friendly Welfare Benefits Advisers can support you through the process, simply get in touch.