Universal Credit – what it means for you
Leazes Homes is working with YHN, who provide our tenants with housing management services, to ensure that they are ready for universal credit
Universal Credit was introduced in Newcastle on 27 April 2015 and is gradually being claimed by more and more people. It brings together a number of benefits into one payment which is paid monthly, in arrears, directly into a claimant’s bank account via a system accessed online.
Benefits that are included in Universal Credit are:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Although the benefits are being brought together, the individual reasons for getting benefit will still apply.
Universal Credit will also be subject to the benefit cap, which changed in early November 2016 so that couples and lone parents won’t receive more than £385 a week and single people will not receive more than £258 a week.
For those who are new to Universal Credit the process can be very different from anything they’re used to, so we would advise reading up on what to expect before making a claim (there are lots of bits of information you need before you start the process so it really pays to start thinking about it as soon as possible).
There is lots of information on YHN’s website regarding all of the recent changes to benefits, including the introduction of Universal Credit, so we would strongly recommend you checking our there pages – you can do so here.
*Important: to claim Universal Credit you will need a bank account for your benefit to be paid into. If you don’t have a bank account already and aren’t sure how to open one, contact your Housing Services Office who can arrange an appointment with a local bank for you.
Personal budgeting support 
If you are a Leazes Homes tenant who has claimed Universal Credit and need some help with managing your money, YHN’s Universal Credit specialists can provide personal budgeting support. You can read more about this and other support available here.