In most cases you will need to apply for Universal Credit instead of housing benefit, unless you are of state pension age or you live in supported housing.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment that replaces the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
You need to apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UK. You can create an account with them to make your claim.
Apply for Universal CreditIf you are of state pension age or live in supported accommodation, you will not be covered by Universal Credit but you can claim housing benefit.
Council Tax Support
If you make a claim for Universal Credit with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), please also make a claim for Council Tax Suport.
The DWP will let us know you have claimed Universal Credit and we can then treat that as your claim date for Council Tax Support, as long as you send us any other information we need within one calendar month of us writing to you.
Assisted digital support
Universal Credit claims must be made online. If you don't have access to the internet or need help with making a claim for Universal Credit, contact your local Citizens Advice.
Otherwise, contact your nearest local library and ask for support getting online.
Your local libraries
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