Universal Credit
Universal Credit Explained
Universal Credit will help you become more independent and will simplify the benefits system by bringing together a range of working-age benefits into a single streamlined payment.
Universal Credit will replace:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
Detailed information can be found on the Government's What Universal Credit is page.
You will need to claim Council Tax Reduction from Ceredigion County Council if you have to pay Council Tax.
Housing Benefit claims still need to be made if you claim UC and you live in supported or temporary accommodation.
How do I make a claim?
You are expected to claim Universal Credit online.
A telephone number, 0800 3285644, is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, for help and advice on making an online claim or if you get stuck while you’re making a claim.
The website address for further information and to make a claim online is on the Government's Universal Credit How to claim page.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change you must report this to the Universal Credit Service Centre.
If you are receiving help with paying your Council Tax you will need to report the change in circumstances to the Benefits team at Ceredigion County Council.
Can I still claim a Discretionary Housing Payment?
If you are no longer claiming Housing Benefit because you now receive the housing element through Universal Credit you can still apply to Ceredigion County Council for Discretionary Housing Payment.
Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter
As one or more of your benefits will be ending soon, you need to move to Universal Credit. Further information can be found on the Welsh Government's Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter page.