So, you have been advised that your claim will be Universal Credit, this solution is a single monthly payment and encompasses all your benefits under one umbrella.

It is good to note that should both you and your partner claim Universal Credit you will receive both claims as a single transaction.

Before making your claim you will need to have the following information

  • Your postcode
  • Your National Insurance number
  • Details of the bank or building society account you want Universal Credit paid into
  • Your rent agreement (if you have one)
  • Details of your savings or other capital
  • Details of any income that’s not from work, eg from an insurance plan
  • Details of any other benefits you’re getting
  • Details of any children, including child benefit numbers

How to claim Universal Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit a number of ways;

  • Online HERE  scroll down the page and hit the green Start Now button to begin your application.
  • Make an appointment with DWP Housing where we will arrange for a housing specialist to hold a meeting with you in a private room and ensure your claim is set up as quickly as possible. Call 01202 301244
  • At your local Job Centre
  • Via the helpline:
    Telephone: 0345 600 0723
    Textphone: 0345 600 0743
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

When to expect your first payment

You will receive a statement and your first monthly payment approx 6 weeks after you’ve finished applying for Universal Credit.

Your statement will tell you:

  • When you’ll normally get paid
  • How much you’ll be paid
  • Which bank account it’ll be paid into

If you won’t have enough money to live on while you wait for your first payment, call the helpline (0345 600 0723) to ask for an advance payment. You’ll repay it through your regular Universal Credit payments – they’ll be lower until you pay it back.

It is important to keep us in the loop so, we will require the following information

  • That you have made a claim – we are fully aware that a claim takes 6 weeks to process and that in this time you may experience difficulties in paying your rent.
  • The expected first payment date – a member of staff can update the notes on your account. This way we know exactly when you are likely to be in a position to pay your rent
  • Details of your work coach (as and when you have them). This enables us to work alongside your work coach if you are facing homelessness or financial difficulties

What will DWP Housing do if I claim universal credit and I can’t pay my rent in the interim.

We will work alongside you in the 6 weeks that it takes to process your claim. We can offer debt and financial well-being support, as well as having expert knowledge in other benefits and grants you may be able to apply for.

Once we know when you are getting paid and how much you will receive we can set up a realistic payment plan to help you with any arrears you may have endured due to the 6 week delay.

To make an appointment or to discuss Universal Credit please contact us on 01202 301244 or an email on housing@dwphousing.co.uk

What if I want universal credit to pay you direct?

Unfortunately universal credit make payments direct to you unless exceptional circumstances.