Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. If you need help paying rent, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit.
Use the link below to apply for Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.
Eligibility for Universal Credit
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you are:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part time)
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
You must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you are 16 or 17)
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
Replacing other benefits
Universal Credit replaces these benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You may still qualify for Housing Benefit if you:
- are a single person of state pension age
- are in a couple where both are of state pension age
- live in supported, sheltered, or temporary accommodation
Find out more about Housing Benefit.
Universal Credit does not include financial help to pay your Council Tax. Find out how to apply for the Council Tax Support Scheme.
Support with your claim
If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you can use free Wi-Fi at any of our libraries in Trafford. You can also get digital support.