Universal Credit

What is it?

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income and brings together a range of working-age benefits into a single streamlined payment.

Universal Credit replaces:

• Child tax credits
• Housing benefit
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Income-based job seekers allowance
• Income support
• Working tax credits

How do I apply for Universal Credit?

Visit the Department for Work and Pensions website to make an application or to find out further information on Universal Credit.

What support is available to me?

Support from Glasgow City Council and our partners

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expects that the vast majority of Universal Credit claims will be made online.

If you require support to make your claim online, including uploading any documents this is available at Glasgow Life UC Hubs located in libraries across the city, you can make an appointment by calling 0808 169 9901.

Support from DWP

You can also contact DWP for support and advice by telephoning the Universal Credit Service Centre on 0800 328 5644 (free phone available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

Universal Credit Migration

From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are writing to people who are in receipt of the working-age benefits listed above to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit to ensure they still continue receiving financial support. This letter is called a ''Universal Credit Migration Notice".

If you have received a "Migration Notice" from DWP, it is important that you follow the instructions on this and contact the Department for Work and Pensions to make an application for Universal Credit as soon as possible as this move is not automatic and is time limited. The Notice will also provide you with information on the help available to prevent the customer from missing out on financial support from the government.  If you need assistance to understand what this means for you, you can call the number on your letter or Help to Claim on 0800 023 2581.

Information regarding how to make a Universal Credit application, payments in advance and Citizens Advice Scotland contact details can be found on the Universal Credit Web Page or for full information on Universal Credit, see the UK Government Universal Credit Explained Web Page.

If you are unable to apply online at home you can visit any Glasgow Life library across the city - all of which provide free internet access. If you need digital support making your claim online, help is available at Glasgow Life UC Hubs located in libraries across the city. You can make an appointment by calling 0808 169 9901.

Help with Council Tax

You must tell the DWP you are liable to pay Council Tax at your address for information to be shared with us directly from the DWP.

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit AND you have advised the DWP that you are liable to pay Council Tax we will make a decision on your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction when you receive your first payment of UC, this is approximately 5 weeks after making your UC application.

If you do not receive a CTR decision notice within 6 weeks of your UC application, please apply for Council Tax Reduction.

If you have not told the DWP you are liable for Council Tax you must apply for Council Tax Reduction using our application form.

If you are not currently receiving Council Tax Reduction but have recently had a change in your circumstances, you can check if you are now entitled to this by using our Benefit Calculator.

It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment of Universal Credit.

The wait before your first payment is made up of a one month assessment period and up to 7 days for the payment to reach your account.

Help with Rent

What happens to my HB when I apply for UC?

If you have an existing claim for HB and make a claim for Universal Credit the DWP will let us know. The HB claim will be closed and you will be notified.   Your Universal Credit payment can include an amount for Housing Costs, which you'll usually need to pay to your landlord.

Can I get any additional help?

If you receive the housing cost element in Universal Credit and need additional financial support so that you can meet a rent shortfall or other housing costs, you may qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Please provide a copy of your online Universal Credit award alongside your Discretionary Housing Payment application. If you are entitled to Universal Credit, payments will be made one month in arrears. In Scotland you can request that your monthly entitlement is paid to you in two instalments each month. See Scottish Choices for more information on this