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Universal Credit

Do you claim Universal Credit? If so, you need to complete your yearly rent update now

If you claim Universal Credit you will need to update your rent & service charge figures on your UC journal. It is your responsibility to update this as Trent & Dove Housing cannot inform Universal Credit about any rent changes on your behalf.

You will need to log into your UC claim page and there should be a reminder in your ‘to do’ section to update your housing costs. If this is not there and you have not already completed this, you will need to click on ‘report a change of circumstances’ to update ‘Where you live and what it costs' under ‘something else’.  

When prompted you will need to input the following:

  • Rent amount
  • Eligible service charge
  • Ineligible service charge
  • Charge frequency
  • Number of rent free weeks per year

It is really important that the date of change is 05/04/2021 for this to be approved.

A letter was posted to each household with the new rent & service charge figures in February 2021. If you need these figures confirming again, please contact us on 01283 528528.

Universal Credit Roll Out

We understand that any change can be daunting; however we are here to help you every step of the way.

On 21st November 2018 Universal Credit rolled out across East Staffordshire to those of you who make a new claim for benefits or have a change in circumstances. If you do not need to make a new claim or change any of your information – your switch over to Universal Credit will be coming, but not just yet.

  • What is Universal Credit?

    Universal Credit is a new benefit system that is replacing many of the current benefits and tax credits. It is for individuals and families of working age whether they are in work or not working.

  • Why is Universal Credit being introduced?

    Universal Credit is being introduced to simplify the benefits system. At the moment there are separate benefits for different purposes, such as child tax credits which help meet the costs of raising a child, and housing benefit to help with the cost of rent. Universal Credit is a single payment intended to meet the different types of costs.

  • Who will be affected by Universal Credit?

    Universal Credit will only affect those of a working age. Universal Credit is one monthly payment made up of 6 benefits listed below:

    • Income support
    • Income related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Jobseekers (income based) - Paid by DWP
    • Working Tax Credit
    • Child Tax Credit - Paid by HMRC
    • Housing Benefit - Paid by local authority

    Universal Credit does not currently affect people of State Pension age.

    If you are of pension age and your partner is not, then universal credit will apply to you.

  • How does Universal Credit work?

    Universal credit is paid roughly 4-6 weeks after a Universal Credit claim is made. It will then continue to be paid on the same date each month; similar to how a working wage is paid.

  • How can I prepare for Universal Credit?

    Get ready for Universal Credit now with 3 simple steps;

    Set up a bank account 
    You will need a bank account for your Universal Credit payment to be paid into. To set up a basic bank account, it is unlikely that you will need to have a credit check.

    Access the internet 
    You will need access to the internet to make and manage your claim. You will also need an email address, if you do not already have one, you will need to create one.  

    Manage your money 
    We would encourage you to start saving small amounts ready to change to a monthly pay. Also you could be waiting around 4-6 weeks for your first Universal Credit payment. You can set up a payment plan with our income team and pay your rent in advance; it’s one less thing to worry about!

     

  • Where can I get help and advice with Universal Credit?

    You can talk to us

    Please feel free to call us on 01283 528 528 or you can email us on uc.info@trentanddove.org

    You can visit us

    Our Burton office is open every Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm.

    Our Uttoxeter office is open every Monday-Friday from 9am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5pm

    Every week from now until Christmas we will also be holding Q&A sessions at the following locations;

    Wishes for Winshill Community Café (Hawfield Lane, DE15 0BY) Every Tuesday 12pm - 2pm

    Short Street Community Cafe (Short Street, DE15 9LT) Every Wednesday 9am - 10.30am.

    Burton Job Centre (30 New Street, DE14 3SL) Every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm

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