Universal Credit (UC) is digital in Stockport.
From November 2018, Universal Credit has replaced six existing working-age benefits:
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
Stockport Homes customers making a new claim for any of the above benefits will claim Universal Credit instead.
All working-age claimants on the above benefits who do not move on to Universal Credit as a result of making a new claim will be migrated over to Universal Credit between 2019 and 2023. Any change in your benefits will see you moving over to Universal Credit, so it is best to be prepared now rather than be caught out when the changes come.
Are you Universal Credit ready?
Here are 5 simple steps to get yourself prepared:
- Get ahead with your rent – Unlike Housing Benefit, under Universal Credit, you become responsible for paying your rent, and after switching you will face a six-week delay before receiving your first payment. You should still pay your rent during this time. It is important that you are prepared so you do not get into debt. Putting an extra few pounds on your rent account each week to build a credit balance will mean you can still pay your rent when you switch.
- Get online – All Digital Universal Credit claims must be applied for and updated online. You will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and have the skills to complete and update your claim, upload documents, message your work coach and evidence your claimant commitment.
- Get a bank account – To make a Universal Credit claim and receive your payments you will need to provide bank details of a bank, building society, or credit union account that you want your money paid into. Without this, you will not be able to claim.
- Get an email address and photo ID – To make a new Universal Credit claim you will need an email address. Photo ID, such as a passport or photo driving license will also speed up the claim process.
- Get help and support - We are here to help our fully trained staff are ready and waiting to offer help and advice. Call us today on 0161 217 6016 for general advice on Universal Credit or any help and support getting online or setting up a bank account.
For more information on Universal Credit, take a look at our Universal Credit FAQs page
