Are you ready for Universal Credit: Checklist

We've created this handy checklist for you to go through to make sure you are ready for the switch to Universal Credit.

• Have you received a Managed Migration Notice?

  Get advice from a Benefits Advisor before you make your claim to work out the best way to maximise your UC income. Make sure you claim before the deadline date on your Notice – if you need more time, you can request an extension. If you haven’t received a Notice, do not claim UC unless you have been advised to by a Benefits Advisor.

• Have you got access to the internet - and do you know how to use it?
  You’ll be expected to claim and manage your UC claim online. You will need an email address in order to set this up. Do you have a family member or close friend who can help you?

• Are you self employed?
  The rules around self-employed people claiming UC can be complex. We recommend taking advice before you claim.

• Are you disabled/ do you have a mental or physical health condition that limits your ability to work?
  If you are entitled to Income- Related/Contributory/New-Style ESA, or National Insurance Credits for LCW, then your Limited Capability for Work decision will be transferred to your UC claim. If not, you will not be entitled to a disability related element in your UC claim unless you submit Fit Notes and request a Work Capability Assessment.

• Are the names on your Tenancy Agreement still accurate to who is living in the property?
  If an ex-partner is still named on your Tenancy Agreement then you will need to make arrangements to remove them ASAP. If your Tenancy Agreement is held in wrong names, it may have a negative impact on your claim for UC and it may cause a delay in you receiving your full entitlement of the Housing Cost Element.

• Are you concerned about how you will plan your budget around your monthly UC payment?
  Housing Costs are not paid separately like Housing Benefit and usually all of the UC is paid straight to you - so it will be your responsibility to budget and pay your rent from your UC and any other income you may have.
  
  If you believe you will struggle to pay your rent yourself then please get in touch with us NOW. We have a number of Support Advisors and Universal Credit experts who can offer help, advice and support to ensure you can pay your rent.

• Have you got rent arrears?
  If so, talk to your Income Advisor today about how to pay back your arrears.

• Will you be affected by the Benefit Cap on UC?
  Some claimants will not currently be affected by the Benefit Cap but will be when they move onto UC and some will see a bigger deduction taken from their UC, in comparison to existing benefits. If you think you will be affected by the Benefit Cap it is vital you get advice before you claim.

Things you will need to do when you start to claim Universal Credit

• Inform your Income Advisor at Freebridge.
• Set up a direct debit or standing order to ensure your rent is paid on the right day, every month.
• Make sure that you provide your rent and service charges details to UC from the start of your claim.

If you don’t do this, then no Housing Cost Element will be included in your UC payments.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Income Team by calling 03332 404 444, and press option 3 or email income@freebridge.org.uk to talk more about how we can help.