Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new benefit that is being introduced by the Government to replace six existing benefits with a single monthly payment.

Universal Credit is replacing:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit

If you claim any of these benefits, you may be asked to claim for Universal Credit.

To find out what you’re likely to be entitled to, use the GOV.UK benefits calculator

Eligibility

This change affects claimants when they:

  • Make a claim for the first time
  • Have a change in circumstances that means their existing claim for income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit (HB), Working Tax Credits (WTC), Child Tax Credits (CTC) or Income Support (IS) has to be cancelled.

There are a number of exceptions, for full eligibility criteria for Universal Credit please see GOV.UK's eligibility page

How to claim

Universal Credit is a benefit that is claimed and managed online. All applications must be made at GOV.UK

As well as applying online you will also need to attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus.

You’ll get your first payment around six weeks after applying online if your application is successful.

Before you start

Once you start your application online, you can save your application and return to it but you will need the following information:

  • National Insurance number
  • Details of the bank, building society or Post Office 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 (e.g. from an insurance plan)
  • Details of any other benefits you’re getting.
  • Email account details and mobile phone number
  • Photo ID e.g. driving licence

You will also need these details for people who live in your home, e.g. your partner.

If you don’t have any of the information listed above, please contact Job Centre Plus on 0800 328 5644 for help and advice on making an online claim. The line is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

Change of circumstances

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit and have a change of circumstances (e.g. a partner or dependent child moves in to your house, you start work or move house) you must report this to the DWP on:

  • Telephone: 0800 328 5644
  • Textphone: 0800 328 1344

If you need to supply the DWP with proof of your circumstances such as income, capital or rental agreement you must post these to:

FREEPOST RTCX-RBUG-TUCU
Universal Credit
Faraday Court
Faraday Way
Blackpool
FY2 0SQ

Other help and support

Help with paying my Council Tax

If you are entitled to Universal Credit and are liable to pay Council Tax, you may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction. Oldham Council is responsible for awarding Council Tax and you must claim this separately from Universal Credit.

Free school meals

If you have children, your entitlement to free school meals will be assessed when you claim Council Tax Reduction. If you receive Universal Credit and are not responsible for paying Council Tax , you can claim Free School Meals.

Help with finding work

Our Get Oldham Working team can help you find employment

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Support for Oldham residents who face sudden financial shocks and can’t afford essentials and providing long-term help to improve financial stability and resilience. 

Challenging decisions

Oldham Council funds an independent and impartial Welfare Rights Service which can help you challenge or query benefit decisions that you feel may be incorrect or unfair.

The quickest way to contact them is by filling out our form:

Alternatively, call 0161 770 6655 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Information for landlords

Free and impartial money advice

Getting online and digital support

If you need help using a computer, our lifelong learning centres and libraries offer free online courses. Call 0161 770 8000 for more information. You can also access free digital learning through Learn My Way:

If you do not have access to a computer, you can still apply for Universal Credit using a mobile phone or tablet. Public computers are also available across Oldham:

Email, phone and identification

To claim Universal Credit, you must have an email address. This is how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you. If you do not already have one, setting up an email account is quick and straightforward. Guidance is available here:

If you do not have a mobile phone, enter 00000000000 (11 zeros) when completing your Universal Credit application. Choose email as your preferred contact method so you receive all important updates.

If you cannot verify your identity online, complete your Universal Credit application and bring proof of identity to your first Jobcentre interview.

Bank accounts

Universal Credit must be paid directly into your own bank, building society, credit union or Post Office account. Payments cannot be made by cheque or paid into someone else’s account. Even if you have debt or CCJs, you should still be able to open a basic account.

You can also contact Oldham Credit Union on 0161 678 7245 or visit:

Help with your Universal Credit application

If you need help completing your Universal Credit claim, call us on 0161 770 6655 and we will guide you through the process.

Financial help while waiting for your first payment

You can request an advance payment to help you manage until your first Universal Credit payment arrives. This covers the period from your application date until your first payment, which can take six weeks or more.

You can request an advance at your Jobcentre interview, or up to three days before your first payment is due. If you request an advance, your future Universal Credit payments will be reduced until the advance has been repaid.

To ask for an advance after your Jobcentre interview, call the DWP helpline on 0345 600 4272.

For emergency support with food, essential household items, furniture, or utility bills, contact the Local Welfare Provision team on 0161 770 5468 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).

For energy-saving advice and help reducing fuel bills, contact Warm Homes Oldham:

Make sure you have also applied for free school meals and Council Tax Reduction.

Budgeting and housing support

If you are finding it difficult to adjust to monthly Universal Credit payments, tell Jobcentre staff at your initial interview. They can arrange Personal Budgeting Support. You can also ask the Access Oldham team about this support.

If your Universal Credit claim is active and you are struggling to pay your rent, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

Challenging a decision

If you disagree with a decision made about your Universal Credit award, the DWP can look at the decision again. For help, contact the Welfare Rights Team on 0161 770 6655 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).

More information about Universal Credit is available from Citizens Advice: