Benefits

There's additional support available if you need it.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit has replaced these benefits for most people:

Universal Credit works differently from the old benefits - so it's important to know the differences.

How Universal Credit works

You'll usually get one monthly payment to cover your living costs. If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, you and your partner will get one payment between the two of you. The payment is made up of a basic 'standard allowance' and extra payments that might apply to you depending on your circumstances.

You might be able to get extra payments if you:

  • look after one or more children
  • work and pay for childcare
  • need help with housing costs
  • are disabled or have a health condition
  • are a carer for a disabled person or you have a disabled child

Check how much you might get on GOV.UK.

Managed migration to Universal Credit

If you are on an older benefit and making the move to UC, you can read more about managed migration here.

If you get help with rent

If your UC payment includes help with rent, you'll usually need to pay us each month from your Universal Credit payment. You can ask the DWP to pay your rent directly to us if you're in debt, have rent arrears or are struggling with money.

If you're working

You can work and still get Universal Credit - your Universal Credit will reduce gradually as you earn more. Your Universal Credit will go up if your job ends or you earn less.

If you're self-employed, your payment might also be affected by how much the DWP expect you to earn each month - this expected amount is called your 'minimum income floor'. Find out how the minimum income floor works and if it applies to you.

Claiming other benefits if you get Universal Credit

You should apply for Council Tax Reduction - if you get it, it won't reduce the amount of Universal Credit you get.

If you’re disabled, you should check if you’re eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you’re responsible for a disabled child, you should check if you can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child. Getting PIP or DLA won’t reduce the amount of Universal Credit you get.

You can also claim other benefits if you have enough national insurance contributions. For example:

If you get either of these benefits your Universal Credit will be reduced, but there are reasons it's still worth claiming them. For example, Universal Credit is paid once a month, but JSA and ESA are paid every 2 weeks. This might make it easier to manage your money.

Pension Credit - Extra help for pensioners

Are you single and have a weekly income of less than £201.05 or £306.85 if you have a partner? If so, you might be able to join the many people in already receiving Pension Credit.

For people who have reached State Pension age, Pension Credit can top up weekly income to £238 for single people or £363.25 if you're a couple.

If you reached State Pension Age before April 2016, you may be entitled to extra money if you have made some provision towards your retirement such as savings or a private pension. This is called Savings Credit and could mean up to an extra £17.96 a week (for single people) or £20.10 a week (for couples).

Even if your income is more, you may still be able to get Pension Credit if for example, you or your partner are severely disabled, are a carer or have housing costs such as mortgage interest payments. On top of that, you may also get help with council tax, heating bills and if you are over 75, a free TV licence.

To help further, if you apply for Pension Credit you may be able to get up to 3 months backdated payment from the day you were first entitled up to the date you apply. Some people have had as much as £1,000 with their backdated payment.

Around 1.4million people are already in receipt of Pension Credit and you may be able to join them. Take a look at the online calculator on GOV.UK to find out what you might get. Claims can be made online at http://www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (textphone 0800 169 0133). If you prefer, you can ask a friend or relative to help or call on your behalf. Paper forms are also available.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.

Entitlement to Pension Credit establishes a gateway to other benefits, access to Social Fund loans and help with energy efficiency measures. For more information on keeping warm and well in winter people can visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.

Benefits Calculator

Our handy calculator can help show you what benefits and financial support you might be eligible for. It’s completely free to use.

Need more help? We're here!

If you have questions or need assistance claiming benefits, Wrekin Housing Group customers can get in touch with our friendly Money Matters team. Simply click ‘Send to an Advisor’ after using the calculator, and your information will go directly to them. They'll be happy to contact you and provide personalised support.

Moving to a new job or facing changes?

This calculator is also useful if you're starting a new job, changing jobs, or experiencing life changes. It can help you adjust your finances and see how your benefit entitlements might be affected.

Get help with bills and living costs

The calculator also provides helpful links to resources that can assist you with managing bills and the cost of living.

What you'll need to get started

To use the calculator, you'll need some basic information about:

  • Your income (and your partner's, if applicable)
  • Any current benefits or pensions you or someone in your household receives
  • Your monthly expenses (rent, childcare, etc.)
  • Any savings you have

GET STARTED

For further information about benefits, visit the Citizen Advice website