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Universal Credit update

08th February 2018

Universal Credit has been implemented in the following areas:

Limavady from 25 September 2017
Coleraine from 11 December 2017
Strabane from 15 January 2018
Foyle and Armagh from 5 February 2018

Universal Credit will replace 6 benefits on the current system. These are:

Income Support

Income based Jobseekers Allowance

Housing Benefit

Income related Employment and Support Allowance

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit initially will be for new claimants to the benefits system and for people who have a significant change of circumstances.

These are highlighted below:

  • Move from out of work to in work
  • Move from in work to out of work
  • Move out of work to sick
  • Move from sick to in work (or permitted work becomes permanent)
  • Move from in work to sick (reduction in hours due to sickness)
  • Claimants separate
  • Income Support Loan parent child reaches 5 / permanently leaves household
  • Household becomes responsible for a child for the first time
  • Move from sick to out of work

It is important that if you have to make a claim for Universal Credit that you contact your Housing Officer ASAP to confirm how much your rent charge is as you will need this for the application. If the incorrect figure is submitted it could possibly hold up your claim.

If you have any questions you can get help by contacting your Housing Officer or Sandra McCoubrey on 02890427211 or 02871360015

You can  also avail of free, independent advice from the Welfare Changes Helpline on 0808 802 0020.

For the most up-to-date information, go to Department for Communities

Universal Credit update
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