Information for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people on low income and are working, out of work or unable to work. It replaces some of the benefits and tax credits that you might be getting now such as;  

  • Income Support
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Jobseekers Allowance
  • Working Tax & Child Credits
  • Housing Benefit.

More in depth guidance can be found at the Money Advice Centre

How much will you get from Universal Credit?

There is one basic allowance for your household: Single claimant aged under 25: £292.11 per month. Single claimant aged 25 or over: £368.74 per month. Joint claimants both aged under 25: £458.51 per month. Joint claimants both aged 25 and over: £578.82.

You may get extra amounts on top of the standard allowance if you:

  • have children
  • have childcare costs (if you are working)
  • have a child that is disabled
  • have a disability or health condition
  • care for someone who gets a health or disability-related benefit
  • have housing costs
Will I be contacted about Universal Credit?

If you’re getting any of these benefits or tax credits above, you do not need to do anything unless:

What should I do in readiness for Universal Credit?

Ensure you have verified your identify in readiness via Verify.Gov.uk. The registration process is secure, quick and easy to use and usually takes about 10 minutes.

 

Making a new claim for Universal Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit online.

You need to create an account. You use it to make a claim. You must complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account or you will have to start again.

If you live with your partner, you will both need to create accounts. You’ll link them together when you claim. You cannot claim by yourself.

To apply online you’ll need:

  • your bank, building society or credit union account details
  • an email address
  • access to a phone

If you do not have these, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre. You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

You’ll also have to prove your identity. You’ll need some identity documents for this, for example your:

  • driving licence
  • passport
  • debit or credit card
  • payslip or P60

To complete your claim you will need to provide information about:

  • your housing, for example how much rent you pay
  • your earnings, for example payslips
  • any disability or health condition that affects your work
  • how much you pay for childcare if you want help with childcare costs
  • your savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out

You might need an appointment with the Universal Credit team if:

  • they need more information
  • you cannot verify your identity online

You will have to go to a meeting to agree the activities in your claimant commitment before you can get your first payment.

If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline, tel 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Universal Credit guides

Different Earning Patterns and your payments
This guide explains how different earning patterns affect Universal Credit payments.
It includes information on how your Universal Credit payments could be affected if your earnings are not paid each calendar month – and what you may need to do.

Universal Credit Guide
Information about how Universal Credit is paid and the support it provides for people who are on a low income or out of work.