Do you receive Housing Benefit?
To continue getting your benefits, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date on your Migration Notice.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has started telling most customers on Housing Benefit they must claim for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is replacing Housing Benefit and will be paid as a single monthly payment for working age customers on a low income. The main difference is that your rent will no longer be paid directly to your landlord. Instead, it will be included in your monthly payment, giving you complete responsibility for your money and spending.
Customers who receive a Migration Notice letter from the DWP must act. If you receive the Notice your existing benefit entitlement is due to end, you must act before the deadline. If you ignore the notice you will lose out on welfare benefits, including Housing Benefit.
What to do when you receive your Migration Notice
When you receive your notice, you should take steps to claim Universal Credit or seek further advice and support if you are unsure about the process.
If you are moving onto Universal Credit you should contact us to discuss how you will pay your rent. For example, you may pay by monthly Direct Debit.
You can get in touch via Chatabot on our website, via email customerhub@greatplaces.org.uk or by telephoning our Customer Hub on 0300 123 1966.
Additional financial support
If you are struggling with Universal Credit or would like further advice, there are other options available to you. Our Money Matters Team is on hand to help. You can find out more information on here.
You can find more details on Universal Credit including what to do if you have a change in circumstances, on our website.