What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a single payment made to customers to replace the following benefits:
- Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
- Employment Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Benefit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
Universal Credit does not include Council Tax Support and you must make a claim with Hertsmere if you require help to pay your Council Tax bill.
Making the move to Universal Credit
From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions are writing to some people who receive the following benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead. This letter is called a‘Migration Notice’:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income - related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You do not need to take any action until you receive your Migration Notice letter, however when you do, it’s important you check the date that you will need to claim by as you won’t be moved automatically.
Please don’t ignore your letter as it explains what you need to do next. It also provides information on the help available to prevent you from missing out on financial support from the government.
Read more information about moving to universal credit and what extra help may be available to you.
Who still needs to make a claim for Housing Benefit?
You will need to make a claim for Housing Benefit if:
- You are of pension age.
- You live in supported or temporary accommodation.
Making a claim for Universal Credit
- You can make a claim for Universal Credit online.
