Rochdale Borough Council

Most people submitting new claims or a change of circumstances for some benefits will move to Universal Credit on Wednesday, 16 May 2018.

What is Universal Credit?

• Universal Credit combines 6 benefits including Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Working Tax Credit and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• Applications are made online.
• You'll have to pay rent and housing costs directly to your landlord.
• Find out more about Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.
• It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Watch a short video produced by the DWP, Universal Credit: Opening up work (48 secs).

How to apply for Universal Credit 

1. Check your eligibility and apply for Universal Credit online.
2. You may need details of housing costs and any rent agreement, any savings and income, including benefits and information about people who live with you.
3. Book an appointment within 7 days of making your application to avoid your claim being cancelled. If your claim is cancelled you'll need to reapply online.
4. If your application is successful, you'll get your first payment around 5 weeks after making your online application.

Get ready for Universal Credit

Find out how ready you are for Universal Credit:

• You must be able to go online. Find out where you can access FREE public Wi-Fi.
•  You must have an email address. If you're not confident using a computer or email you can find a free course to help you with computers and the internet.
• You must have a bank or building society account. An account with a direct debit facility will be useful for paying bills, rent and Council Tax. Find out about getting a bank account
• Look for work or increase your earnings. If you're not in work or on a low income you'll be required to look for work or increase your earnings. Get help with jobs, careers and training.
• Get help managing your benefits. If you think you'll find it difficult to manage getting all your benefits in one monthly payment, or you're struggling to manage your money, find out who to contact for money, debt and benefit advice.
• Expect to claim Council Tax Support separately. Find out about claiming Local Council Tax Support.
• Check how ready you are by using the Universal Credit personal planner 

Get an advance on your first payment 

If you can't manage until you receive your first full payment, you can apply for Universal Credit Advance by ringing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

There are 4 types of interest free advances:

• Universal Credit Advance -  new claim
• Universal Credit Advance - change of circumstances
• Universal Credit Advance - benefit transfer
• Budgeting Advance

An advance payment is one full month's entitlement, payable within 5 days of applying, which you'll pay back interest free over 12 months.

Apply for an Universal Credit advance payment - call DWP on 0800 328 5644