Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. It is processed and paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This is a means tested benefit for working-age people and replaces the following 6 benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
If you’re getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not have to do anything unless:
- you have a change of circumstances that you need to report to the DWP
- you get a letter from the DWP advising that you must start to claim Universal Credit
You should not delay when applying for Universal Credit as there is limited backdating of payments.
You cannot claim Universal Credit for your housing costs if you:
- live in temporary accommodation
- live in supported accommodation
- are of state pension age
If any of these apply, you should claim Housing Benefit instead.
Applying for Universal Credit
For more information on Universal Credit and how to apply, visit GOV.UK/Universal Credit.
Housing rent payments
If your tenancy is managed by Enfield Council and you start to receive Universal Credit, your housing costs will be included in your Universal Credit payment. You will need to pay all the rent you are charged out of this payment.
If you're experiencing difficulties in paying your rent, contact us and we will do our best to help you. Call us on 020 8379 1000 or email rent.council.housing@enfield.gov.uk. Make sure you include your name, address, payment reference and a contact telephone number.