Help with your finances

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It is normally paid monthly but some claimants can have it paid more frequently. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

If you already get other benefits
Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Working Tax Credit

If you currently get any of these benefits, you do not need to do anything at the moment unless:

• you have a change of circumstance that you need to report
• you get a letter entitled ‘Migration Notice’ telling you that you must start to claim Universal Credit (see the Managed Migration section).

If you get tax credits, they will stop when you or your partner applies for Universal Credit.

If you have a change of circumstances that means you have to move to Universal Credit, this is called ‘Natural Migration’.

As has been the case since the start of Universal Credit, when a claimant experiences a change in circumstances (for example, a change in employment status or family situation), they need to make a new claim for a benefit that Universal Credit has replaced and they will “naturally” migrate onto Universal Credit.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be working (including self-employed or part time) or be out of work.

To claim you must:

• live in the UK
• be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
• be under State Pension Age
• have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments

Claimants moving to Universal Credit will receive a two-week run-on of their Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance. Those moving from Housing Benefit will receive a two-week Transition to Universal Credit Housing Payment.

You can find lots more information about Universal Credit here - Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK

All benefit claimants will be moved over to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026. Claimants will be notified of when they will be asked to move to Universal Credit. 

Everyone moving over from legacy benefits will have their entitlement to Universal Credit assessed against their current claims, with top up payments available for eligible claimants whose entitlement would have been reduced because of the change – ensuring they receive the same entitlement as on a legacy system. These will continue unless their circumstances alter.

Although notifications will be gradually sent out across the country, people who are currently claiming legacy benefits do not have to wait to be moved to Universal Credit. Anyone who thinks they will be better off can move straight away, however, we strongly recommend that any of our customers that are thinking of moving over voluntarily seek specialist welfare benefit advice before doing so, as although many people will be better off, there are still some who may lose money or their right to transitional protection (see separate section below). This process is called Voluntary Migration.

Have you received your Universal Credit (UC) migration letter?

The starting point for the managed migration process will be when the DWP issues you with a migration notice to inform you that legacy benefits will terminate and that you need to claim UC. The notice specifies a day by which the UC claim must be made.

How to claim: Universal Credit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk

Parliament has committed to providing transitional financial protection for those who are moved onto Universal Credit but only through the managed migration process. Transitional protection does not apply to those who naturally or voluntarily migrate.

This means those eligible households with a lower calculated award in Universal Credit than their legacy benefits awards will see no difference in their entitlement at the point they are moved to Universal Credit, provided there is no change in their circumstances during the migration process. The transitional protection element will decrease over time with increases in Universal Credit elements - excluding the childcare costs element - and will stop with certain changes of circumstances.

The Government has also provided additional protection for those who had a change in circumstance and have been receiving Severe Disability Premium.

In addition, all new claimants and those migrating from tax credits who are gainfully self-employed will be eligible for a 12-month start-up grace period before the Minimum Income Floor applies, to help them grow their business.

It is important to remember that once a new claim to Universal Credit is made, households cannot go back to their previous benefits. If an individual’s circumstances would mean their Universal Credit payments would be less than what they currently receive in benefits, they should wait to be moved through Managed Migration. This is because transitional protection is only available through that process.

You can find further information about this process along with some examples of who may be better off on Universal Credit here - Completing the move to Universal Credit - GOV.UK.

Please remember that anyone who thinks they will be better off can move straight away, however, we strongly recommend that any of our customers that are thinking of moving over voluntarily seek specialist welfare benefit advice before doing so, as although many people will be better off, there are still some who may lose money or their right to transitional protection.

Transitional protection in Universal Credit (UC) is an extra payment which tops up your award to ensure that people moving from legacy benefits are not substantially worse off. 
It’s only available to the following people and should automatically be applied for those who claim UC before the deadline.

• Managed Migrants: people who claim Universal Credit after receiving their managed Migration Notice letter. 
• People who were getting Severe Disability Premium at the they claimed Universal Credit.

Transitional Protection is not available to those people who migrate naturally through a change in their circumstances.

Erosion of the transitional protection element
The transitional protection element reduces over time when you have an increase in your Universal Credit entitlement for example; because of the annual rent increase or following the birth of a child. Increases in any other element or becoming newly entitled to any other element will affect your transitional protection.

Please remember that anyone who thinks they will be better off can move straight away, however, we strongly recommend that any of our customers that are thinking of moving over voluntarily seek specialist welfare benefit advice before doing so, to ensure you do not  lose money or your right to transitional protection.

You can find further information about this process along with some examples of who may be better off on Universal Credit here - Completing the move to Universal Credit - GOV.UK.
 

Log onto UC journal. Check messages to see if you have one waiting to ask you to confirm rent change.  If so, you should click onto this and report the increase.

If you don’t have a message, you should click onto ‘report a change of circumstances’ and choose the rent increase option.

You can find out more here: 
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/already-claimed/if-you-have-an-online-account/

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP): What PIP is for - GOV.UK

PIP is a non-means-tested benefit for people under pension age who have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability. You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

It’s made up of two components

• The daily living component
• The mobility component

How to apply

Call the PIP new claims phone line 0800 917 2222 and register. You will then be sent a form to complete that asks about your condition and how it affects you. Complete and return the form along with any medical evidence
Examples of evidence:

• Medical records
• Sick notes
• Prescriptions
• Diary of daily routine
• Letters from medical professionals/other professionals/people who help you

- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will then contact you to arrange a medical assessment (in person/telephone/video) with an independent health professional.
- The DWP will make a decision on your claim based on the information in your claim form, evidence documents you provide and the report from your medical assessment.
- They will write to you explaining their decision and whether you’ve scored enough points to qualify for PIP.

To qualify for PIP you must score enough points on the test for daily living or mobility (you can qualify for either or both components)

• If you score between 8-11 points you qualify for the standard rate for daily living/mobility
• If you score between 12 or more points you qualify for the enhanced rate of daily living/mobility
• If you score less than 8 points this means you don’t qualify for daily living/mobility

You can appeal the DWP decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of your PIP claim. You might want to challenge the decision if;

• You were refused PIP (did not score enough points)
• You should have been awarded more points

Attendance Allowance (AA) Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK

AA is a non means-tested benefit for people of State Pension age who need help with personal care of because you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.

It’s paid at two different rates and which one you get will depend on the level of help you need.

• Lower rate £73.90 per week: Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night
• Higher rate £110.40 per week: Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life

Eligibility

• You have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition
• Your disability or health condition is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
• you have needed that help for at least 6 months

How to apply

You can apply by completing a form online or by post about your condition, after you send the form you will get a decision letter explaining the outcome

Appealing a decision

You can challenge a decision if you disagree with the outcome

• you think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence
• you disagree with the reasons for the decision
• you want to have the decision looked at again

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Overview - GOV.UK

Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work Related Activity element Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit: Overview - GOV.UK

Carers Allowance Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK

Carers Allowance is a benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours per week providing care for someone who has a disability. It’s paid at £83.30 per week.

• You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
• You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.
• If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

Eligibility

You could qualify for CA if you spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone and they already receive one of these benefits;

• Personal Independence Payment - daily living component
• Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate
• Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

How to claim

Complete an application form online, this will be processed and you will be notified via letter if you have qualified for this benefit. It can be backdated by up to 3 months.

Appealing a decision

You can challenge a decision if you disagree with the outcome

• You think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence
• You disagree with the reasons for the decision
• You want to have the decision looked at again

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Overview - GOV.UK

DLA is a non-means-tested benefit for children under 16, it’s extra money you might be able to claim for your child if they have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability. They must need care, attention and supervision but do not need an actual diagnosis. 
It’s made up of two components:

• The care component
• The mobility component

How to apply
Call the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 for a claim form. You will then be sent a form to complete that asks about your child’s condition and how it affects them. Complete and return the form along with any medical evidence
Examples of evidence:

• Medical records
• Prescriptions
• Diary of daily routine
• Letters from medical professionals/other professionals/people who help you

- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will then contact you within 2 weeks to let you know they’ve received the form. 
- Then you’ll receive a written decision about whether your child has been award DLA and what rates they are eligible for and from what date.

You can appeal the DWP decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of the DLA claim. You might want to challenge the decision if;
•    You were refused DLA. 
•    You feel you should have been awarded a higher rate. 

We’re here to help
Please contact the Financial Wellbeing Service at Sage Homes if you would like any help applying for DLA, appealing a decision or completing a review. 

Universal Credit (UC) health element Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit: Overview - GOV.UK

The UC health element is an additional payment within your claim if you have a health condition or disability that prevents you from working. To receive it you must complete a Work Capability Assessment to determine if you have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).

You can report your health condition or disability when you first apply for UC or if you’re already claiming report them as a change of circumstances via your UC account. You will also need to get a fit note from a healthcare professional and report this via your UC account.

Once you’ve reported your health condition or disability you will need to have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) which will determine how much your health condition or disability affects your ability to work.

You will be sent a Capability for Work health questionnaire (UC50) which you will need to complete and return to UC.

UC will then arrange for a health assessment to be completed either in person, by video or over the phone where they will ask you further questions on how your health condition or disability affects your ability to work.

Following your Work Capability Assessment you will be sent a decision that states if you are either:

• Fit for work
• Have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) but need to prepare for work in the future
• Have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) which means your ability to work is currently limited for now and you do not need to look for or prepare for work. This category comes with an additional payment within your UC claim each month.

You can appeal the DWP decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of the UC Work Capability Assessment and you feel the decision is wrong.

We’re here to help
Please contact the Financial Wellbeing Service at Sage Homes if you would like any help applying for the UC health element, appealing a decision or completing a review.

You can access fast, free, confidential debt advice through Money Helper (formerly The Money Advice Service).

If you're looking for tailored advice about dealing with your debt, My Money Steps can help. This service is available 24 hours a day.

One of the biggest household costs are food bills. There will be information about support on your local council’s website, but there are also other places you can seek help:

Local food banks are community organisations that can help if you can't afford the food you need. Food banks work with frontline professionals (like doctors, social workers and Citizens Advice) to make referrals and provide food bank vouchers. You can contact your local food bank and ask for additional advice using the searchable map on the Trussel Trust website.

Healthy Start vouchers - If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you buy basic foods like milk or fruit. Find out more on the NHS website

Apply for free school meals - Check if your child can get free school meals in England and find out how to apply on your local authority’s website. Find out how to apply for free school meals.

Also, your local authority may offer a welfare assistance scheme. To check whether this is available in your area please visit this website: Local welfare assistance finder: End Furniture Poverty

It’s important to prioritise paying gas and electricity bills because if you don’t pay them there is a risk of being cut off by your gas or electricity supplier. If you use a prepayment meter you should contact your energy supplier if you are struggling - they may be able to provide short-term emergency top-ups. Find out more on the Ask Bill for Help website. 

AgilityEco provides practical help with energy efficiency, utility bills, household finances and vulnerability. Visit their website here.

Government heating discounts:

• Warm Home Discount -  this is available for people who receive the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit or those on a low income. It's a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill that should be automatically applied by your supplier. Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK
• Winter fuel payments - if you're of State Pension age you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. Find out more about the 'Winter Fuel Payment’.
• Cold weather payments - if you’re getting certain benefits and the temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0^oC or below for 7 consecutive days then you may qualify for Cold weather payments.

You can also find useful tips on the Money Saving Expert website to counter the cost of soaring gas and electricity bills.

If you claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits you may qualify for cheaper broadband and phone packages. If your provider offers a social tariff you can switch for free and the price of the contract should not increase mid-contract. To find if your provider offers a social tariff and for more information visit Ofcom’s webpage.

You could be eligible for assistance with white goods and/or food and energy from your local authority if you are in hardship. Use the local authority finder below by typing in your postcode and searching for ‘Local Welfare Provision’ or the ‘Household Support Fund’.

Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk

Money issues can lead to mental health issues but when you already suffer from mental health and have money issues on top, it can be very detrimental. Do not suffer in silence. People with mental health problems are three and a half times as likely to be in problem debt. Mind has a wealth of experience in helping people to manage their mental health, but specific advice on money worries too.