Universal Credit - what you need to know

If you live in Newcastle and get benefits like those listed below, you will get a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This will start happening in July 2023.

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

The letter will tell you when your current benefits will stop and when to apply for Universal Credit. You will have at least three months to do this. You have to apply for Universal Credit yourself; you won't be moved automatically.

If your Universal Credit is less than what you get now, you can get extra money so you don't lose out.

After you move to Universal Credit, you should apply for Council Tax Support separately.

Sanctions on Universal Credit

When you claim Universal Credit you will have to agree to a claimant commitment with your work coach. If you don't meet your work related requirements you may have your Universal Credit reduced. This is called a sanction.

Apply for a hardship payment

If you are struggling because of a sanction, you can apply for a hardship payment to help pay for food and bills by calling the Universal Credit helpline. 

If you think you’ve been unfairly sanctioned

You can ask the DWP to review their decision. This is called a "mandatory reconsideration." You'll need to explain why you think the sanction was wrong. You can do this by calling the UC helpline or by posting a message on your online UC account.

Claiming other benefits/discounts

You might still get other benefits with Universal Credit, like Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). 

For Council Tax help, apply for our local Council Tax Support scheme, which might cover up to 100% of your bill. This is separate from Universal Credit. Visit our Council Tax Support scheme page to apply.

Help with childcare

You may get help with childcare costs through Universal Credit if you are working.