Housing Perks
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Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs. It is usually paid monthly, although some people can receive it more often. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work.
What Universal Credit replaces
Universal Credit replaces:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income‑related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
You do not need to do anything unless:
- you have a change‑in‑circumstance you must report
- you receive a Migration Notice telling you to claim Universal Credit
If you get tax credits, they will stop when you apply for Universal Credit.
Moving because of a change‑in‑circumstance is called natural migration.
Eligibility
You may be able to claim if you:
- live in the UK
- are 18 or over (some exceptions apply for 16–17‑year‑olds)
- are under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in savings
Some claimants receive a two‑week run‑on of certain benefits when moving.
Managed migration
The Government is moving all working‑age claimants onto Universal Credit.
Who is affected?
People of working age on Tax Credits, JSA, ESA, or Housing Benefit.
Not currently claiming benefits?
You will not be moved, but you may still qualify for Universal Credit. It’s important to check.
Pension age?
Only working‑age claimants are included. Some mixed‑age couples may still need to claim Universal Credit.
Making a Universal Credit claim
How the move happens
You will receive a Migration Notice from the DWP and have three months and one day to make a claim.
How to claim
Claims are made online. You will need:
- an email address
- internet access
- a bank account
- ID documents
If you cannot get online, the DWP may allow a phone claim.
Help with rent
You must declare your housing details. The system usually recognises Riverside as your landlord and asks us to confirm your details.
Getting help with a claim
You can use:
- Citizens Advice Help to Claim
- The DWP visiting service (in some circumstances)
- Our benefits advice team
What if…
You miss the deadline?
Your existing benefits will stop.
You claim too early?
You may be worse off. Always get advice first.
You are worse off?
You may receive transitional protection if you only moved because of managed migration.
You will not receive this if you claim early or after the deadline.
When is it paid?
The first payment is normally after five weeks.
You can request an advance payment, but this must be paid back.
What about rent?
The housing element is usually paid to you, so you must pay your rent. If this is difficult, you can request an alternative payment arrangement (APA), such as:
- more frequent payments
- the housing element paid directly to us
Debt advice and budgeting
Debt can build up quickly. If you are missing payments, it is important to take action early.
Independent help
- Money Advice and Pension Service – confidential support
- StepChange Debt Charity – 0800 138 1111
- MoneyHelper – budgeting and debt advice
MoneyHelper also supports people who are:
- struggling with bills
- experiencing reduced income
- self‑employed
- worried about redundancy
Loan fee fraud warning
Be aware of scams.
It could be a scam if you are:
- asked to pay an upfront fee
- pressured to pay quickly
- asked to pay in unusual ways, such as vouchers
Always check the lender is authorised by the FCA.
Benefits Calculator
Find out what welfare benefits you could be entitled to.
