Part time or low paid worker? Don’t miss out on Universal Credit | Tenant news

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that there is around £16 billion in unclaimed benefits payments.

This is partly because many people in low-paid or part-time jobs don’t know that they’re entitled to claim benefits - including Universal Credit.

What is Universal Credit?

In 2012, Universal Credit replaced most Government means-tested benefits. For example: if you’re of working age and need to make a new claim for housing benefit, you’ll likely be directed to Universal Credit, which includes a housing element.

If you’re on a low or part time income, unemployed or can’t work, you can apply for Universal Credit to help you meet living costs.

Online benefits calculators

The government has two independent benefits calculators that you can use to find out what benefit you can claim, including Universal Credit:

• entitledto 

• Turn2us. 

The calculators are free and you can use them anonymously.

You'll need to have information about your income, including your partner’s if you have one, existing benefits and pensions outgoings, savings and your council tax bill.

Universal Credit and work

There’s no limit to the number of hours you can work but, after any allowances have been considered, for every £1 you earn, your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by 55p.

Your monthly Universal Credit payment won’t stop if you do decide to work more than two or three days a week. You can work additional hours and don’t have to make a brand new claim.

You aren’t usually able to claim Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education or training, but in certain circumstances you can still apply.  Contact our Rent Assist team who can refer you to Disability Rights UK for free, specialist advice.

Disabilities & health conditions

If you are disabled, or have a long-term health condition that affects your ability to work, there are elements within Universal Credit to support you.

You may also be eligible for a Personal Independence Payment to cover the additional costs of being disabled.

What else can I apply for?

The good news is that if you receive Universal Credit, you may also eligible for help with:

• rent and council tax
• health costs, dental treatment and prescriptions
• school meals
• early education for 2 year olds
• maternity grants
• cold weather payments
• travel costs to interviews
• clothing to start work
• front childcare costs.

Advice & support

Citizen’s Advice is supporting the roll out of Universal Credit, and they have trained in-house specialists available to support you.

If you don’t have a laptop or smartphone at home, you can call the Citizens Advice Help to Claim Advisors, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 144 8 444 for help with your universal credit application.

You can also use advice local to find benefits, work, money and housing advice services in your area.

For more benefits advice from Habinteg and Disability Rights UK, please call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 and ask to speak to the Rent Assist team .