The Government’s new welfare benefit scheme is being introduced in the London Borough of Hounslow as an online only digital service.
This means most people living in the borough who need to make a new application for financial support or tax relief will now make a claim for Universal Credit; and this must be done online using the Universal Credit website.
Universal Credit is part of the Government’s wider welfare reform plans. It replaces six working age benefits into a single household benefit.
These are:
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance
To see if your postcode if your post code is eligible to apply, visit Universal Credit and start your application.
After completing a simple security step, you will go to a page that tells you what you need to complete your claim and a postcode checker. At this point, you enter your National Insurance Number and your postcode. If your postcode is not covered by Universal Credit you will be told you cannot yet claim Universal Credit and will be directed to other benefit websites.
For most residents in Hounslow the next step will begin the actual online claim and you’ll be taken through the process of setting up an online account.
People who are not eligible for Universal Credit and who need support with paying rent will need to make a new claim for Housing Benefit through Hounslow Council.
For a full evaluation, you must make a formal claim for benefit. For advice on claiming other benefits go to www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
If you’re already claiming benefits, these separate benefit payments will continue and you’ll be told by the DWP when Universal Credit will affect you.
Use our benefits calculator to find out what you are entitled to.
