You can get an advance payment from the jobcentre to help cover the gap between the date you claim and the date you get your first payment (usually around six weeks). If you haven’t already, you can arrange for an advance payment of UC from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This is a loan that must be paid back within 12 to 24 months, reducing the amount of UC you will get in the future. You’ll need to think carefully about whether you can manage with a reduction on your monthly UC payment. To find out more click here.
BCT Tenancy Sustainment and Welfare Benefit Support
We provide welfare and benefit advice to our customers to help with income maximisation, employability and training. Our aim is to help increase quality of life and financial wellbeing for local people.
We’d urge anyone with concerns or queries about welfare, benefits, employment or training to contact us – we offer free, impartial advice.
We’ve created links with external organisations to make sure that customers have access to as many quality training and employment opportunities as possible, and can access multiple services that offer life changing prospects.
If you’re a Byker Community Trust customer and looking for welfare or benefit advice, work or training, or are facing barriers to employment, call freephone 0800 533 5442 to make an appointment to look at the issue further.
“BCT has helped me enormously, I couldn’t have done it without him. In fact, we couldn’t do without you. Great work BCT!”
- Mr Howarth, Byker customer
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
If you’re already claiming a different benefit you may need to move to Universal Credit when you experience a change in circumstances. Most people can no longer make a new claim for one of these benefits and will have to claim Universal Credit instead:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
What’s different with Universal Credit?
- It’s online so you need an e-mail address to claim. You will need to keep checking your account frequently to manage your claim.
- Payments are made directly into a bank, building society, post office or credit union account. They are made monthly in arrears.
- It’s a single monthly payment that combines your income-related living expenses including rent. This means you will have to budget, make your money last longer and pay your rent. If you need help with Council Tax, you will need to make a separate claim for Council Tax Support, this is done through your Council.
- Your housing costs (the amount you get towards your rent), may not cover all the rent you have to pay, and you may need to make up the shortfall – especially if you are affected by the bedroom tax, have non-dependents living with you, or have ineligible service charges like water rates or heating charge included in your rent.
FAQ’s about Universal Credit
There’s a wait for my first payment, what if I need money now?
Can I change how often I’m paid?
In some circumstances, you can ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently to help you manage your money. You can get paid every two weeks instead of every month. If you have difficulty managing your rent payments, you can also ask about getting your rent paid straight to Karbon instead of it being paid to you, these are known as Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA).
What if I cannot access the internet?
The application is online, however if you face issues accessing it, or are unable to complete it, speak to the Tenancy Sustainment team for help.
If you’re expected to look for work, you’ll get an online account to record any change of circumstances and activities relating to your job searches. Your work coach will speak to you through your online journal, too.
If you would like to improve your digital skills for free please contact Karbon’s Foundations for Life Team.
How do I avoid being sanctioned?
You need to be honest with your work coach. Let them know what you can and can’t do. Tell them about any health issues or difficulties you will have applying for jobs or taking job offers. It’s important that your work coach has realistic expectations of what you can do, and that you understand your claimant commitment. If you think your claimant commitment is incorrect let us know and we will investigate and help you to challenge it if so.
What if my circumstances change?
Make sure you report all changes in circumstances via your journal, or through the UC Helpline. Failure to report changes, including changes in your rent and household, might result in underpayments or overpayments, and you could get a civil penalty of £50.
I get UC but I’m still struggling financially
First make sure you’re claiming any other benefits you’re entitled to, including Council Tax Reduction or health-related benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Tenancy Sustainment team can help; whether it’s budgeting and debt advice, applying for grants, knowing your entitlements or help with food or fuel, get in touch!
Is council tax benefit part of Universal Credit?
Council Tax Benefit (or Council Tax Reduction), is not paid as part of Universal Credit. You will need to make a separate claim for help towards your council tax. Apply for Council Tax Reduction here or contact your local council offices for more information.
For help applying or any of your benefit queries, please call BCT on 0800 5335 442 (option 3) and we’ll be happy to help.
You can also contact the gov.uk Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644.
A guide has been prepared to assist you should you wish to appeal against a decision made related to your benefit claim.
Find out more about Universal credit
Visit the gov.uk website for more information.
Speak to the Karbon Homes Money Matters team
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