Welfare reform introduces a wide range of changes to the social security system. Some benefits cease to exist and new benefits and payment systems are being introduced.
If you need advice about Welfare Reform you can contact the independent Welfare Changes Helpline - Freephone
Unclaimed benefits? Make The Call
Are you getting all the money you’re entitled to, or could you be entitled to more? It’s easy to find out – Make the Call free to the Benefits Advice Line on
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single benefit for people aged 18 to 64 years old paid to each household. It replaces the following means-tested benefits:
• Child Tax Credit;
• Working Tax Credit;
• Housing Benefit;
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance;
• Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance;
• Income Support.
In Northern Ireland the payment of Housing Costs will be directly to landlords and fortnightly payments rather than monthly payments as seen in England, Scotland and Wales.
The introduction of Universal Credit commenced in September 2017.
Online applications and Money Advice
New claims for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Rate Relief are being made online, and all subsequent contact regarding the claim will be conducted online.
Online applications for Universal Credit and Rate Relief were also launched in September 2017.
During this time of significant change to the welfare system, we are constantly seeking to improve the ways in which we can support and provide information. We were pleased to introduce a new Welfare Advice service in 2017, recruiting a Welfare Advice Officer to provide expert help and advice in the areas of benefit, debt and employment. Many of our tenants have benefitted from this free, impartial, help and advice service since it was introduced. We are introducing a new Money Advice section on our website and the information on this page will be moved to its new home in September 2019.
We have introduced some new material for download (below).
Benefit Cap - click HERE to view/download our leaflet
Bedroom Tax - click HERE to view/download our leaflet
Universal Credit - click HERE to view/download our leaflet
We have also produced a guide to explain what you need to know about Universal Credit - HERE
For further detailed, up to date information, please click on the links below, (please note these are external links which will take you away from this site).
