Universal credit (UC) is a benefit for people of working age. It combines and replaces six legacy income-related benefits, including housing benefit. The information set out here is not intended as a technical guide to UC.
The introduction of UC saw the biggest change to our welfare system in 30 years. Although it did not happen in isolation - there were a number of other significant changes which were introduced over the same period.
UC replaces six legacy benefits and tax credits to help simplify our welfare system - although some of these benefits still exist in our devolved nations. These are:
- Child tax credit
- Housing benefit
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working tax credit
Eligibility
Understand which groups are eligible to claim UC. and how the differences from older legacy benefits will impact them.
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Making a claim
Information for landlords supporting tenants with a UC claim and information on some of the challenges.
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APAs
Alternative Payment Arrangements can be set up by the DWP, for claimants who can’t manage monthly payments.
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Supporting tenants
With the exception of budgeting, support from the DWP is limited, which means that a large part falls to landlords.
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Business impact
Preparing for the impact of UC on your business is essential to keep the day to day support for tenants running.
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Building capacity
What to consider when managing UC within your organisation in terms of resourcing, training and support.
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