Universal Credit
Universal Credit makes the welfare system simpler by replacing six benefits and credits into a single monthly payment if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the costs of housing, children and childcare, as well as support for disabled people and carers.
It ensures that you will be better off in work and makes it easier for you to start a new job or work more hours. As your take home pay increases, Universal Credit will gradually reduce, meaning that your benefits don't end immediately if you are on a low income.
Universal Credit merges a number of existing benefits into one single payment:
- Income Support
- Income Related Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit.
Who is eligible to apply?
Carlisle City Council can no longer accept claims for Housing Benefit from working age Claimants, unless they live in certain types of specified/supported or temporary accommodation.
If you need help to pay your Housing Costs you must make a claim for Universal Credit online @ www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit . If you have any questions about claiming Universal Credit, then please contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Please note that you will still need to apply for Council Tax Reduction separately if you have claimed Universal Credit
If you need help with applying, or you are worried about budgeting or debt, you can contact the Customer Service Team at Carlisle City Council for support.
For further information, please call Carlisle City Council on 01228 817200
What are the main changes?
For more information on Universal Credit and how it affects you, click the link in the External Links section.
Support and information
Working in partnership with Carlisle and Eden Districts Citizens Advice Bureau, Carlisle City Council can also get you support to help you budget over a monthly period and manage your money so you are less likely to get into debt or arrears when claiming Universal Credit.
To arrange an appointment for personal budgeting support, please call 01228 817200 or contact the local Jobcentre where your work coach will arrange this for you.
For more information call Carlisle City Council on 01228 817200 or visit our Customer Contact Centre at the Civic Centre where one of our advisors will be happy to help.