You only need to claim Universal Credit if:
- You have received a managed migration notice, or
- You’ve had a change in your circumstances and Universal Credit is the only option to top-up your income.
You may choose to claim Universal Credit if:
- You would be better off on Universal Credit (but there’s lots to think about!). Click here for more information.
I’m already getting some benefits – do I need to claim Universal Credit?
If you are already getting any of the benefits Universal Credit is replacing then you can carry on receiving these benefits until
- you have a change in your circumstances that means one or more of these will end and you’d be better off on Universal Credit, or
- if your receive a managed migration notice. This is a letter telling you that your Income Support, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit etc is due to end on a certain date.
Universal Credit is replacing: Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit , Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
I’m 67 and getting a state pension and some Housing Benefit – will I have to claim?
Universal Credit is a working age benefit. As you are single and pension age you will not need to claim Universal Credit – you can stay on Housing Benefit.
NOTE: Pension age is currently 66 or over.
I’m 67 and getting a state pension and some Housing Benefit – will I have to claim?
“I’d been getting Tax Credits and Housing Benefit to top up my wages. After talking to a Benefits Adviser I discovered I’d be better off on Universal Credit – they even helped me choose the best date to claim.”