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Benefits

Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to claim some benefits. This page outlines some of the key information about common types of benefits. For more information, visit the gov.uk website, speak to your resettlement worker, or contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs, usually paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work, or you cannot work. Universal Credit has replaced benefits such as child tax credit, housing benefit, income support and jobseeker’s allowance.

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A claim for Universal Credit should be made as soon as possible after release as it will not be backdated.

Eligibility

You could be eligible if the following applies to you:

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  • You’re aged 18 or over

  • You’re on a low income or not currently in work

  • You’re under state pension age

  • You (and your partner, if applicable) have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments 

  • You live in the UK

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If you live with a partner, your finances will be treated as one. You must therefore make a joint claim for your household, even if your partner is not eligible. How much you can get will depend on your partner’s financial situation, as well as your own.

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Studying or training:

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If you’re studying or in training, you can make a claim if any of the following apply:

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  • You do not have parental support and you’re not under local authority (local council) care

  • You have a limited capability for work and you’re entitled to disability benefits

  • You’re responsible for a child

  • You live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit

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Aged 16-17:

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If you are 16 or 17, you can apply if any of these criteria apply:

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  • You have medical evidence and are waiting for an assessment of your capability to work

  • You’re caring for a severely disabled individual

  • You’re responsible for a child

  • You’re a couple responsible for a child and at least one of you is eligible for Universal Credit

  • You’re pregnant and it’s 11 weeks or less before your expected due state

  • You have had a child in the last 15 weeks

  • You do not receive support from your parents or do not have contact with them

What’s needed to make a claim?

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There are a number of things that are needed to make the Universal Credit online claim:

  • Email address

  • Address

    • If you are homeless, you can give:

      • Address of a family member or trusted friend 

      • Address of the hostel where you’re staying

      • Your local job centre address

  • Phone number

  • Evidence of identity – e.g. driving license, passport, or debit or credit card

  • Bank account details (not essential for making the claim but is needed before a payment can be made)

  • Recent tenancy agreement and proof of housing costs, if applicable

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After your application, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will arrange to talk to you regarding your needs.

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Your responsibilities

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When claiming Universal Credit you will be tasked with what are called ‘Your Responsibilities’. These depend on your situation, but may include activities such as:

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  • Writing a CV

  • Looking and applying for jobs

  • Going on training courses

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If you do not meet your responsibilities, or if you are not truthful in your application, there are a variety of sanctions that can be enacted.

Other benefits

Disability benefits

There are disability benefits available for both physical and mental disabilities. Not all disabilities are visible, so do not assume that you are not eligible.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You can get Personal Independence Payment if all of the following apply to you:

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  • You’re 16 or over

  • You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability

  • You have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around

  • You expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started

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You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

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There are two parts to PIP:

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  • A daily living part – if you need help with everyday tasks

  • A mobility part – if you need help getting around

Help with the Cost of Living Crisis

You may be entitled to some extra help due to the Cost of Living Crisis.​ You may receive this payment if:

You already receive PIP, Attendance Allowance or Universal Credit

  • In Spring 2023 you can receive £301 to help with the cost of living if you receive

    • Universal Credit​

    • Working Tax Credit

    • Pension Credit

    • Child Tax Credit

    • Income support

    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

    • Income-based 

  • It is a one-time payment even if you receive multiple of the benefits listed

  • If you haven't received a payment in 2022 but think you are eligible you can report a missing payment 

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You receive disability benefits

  • This is a payment of £150 in the summer of 2023 if you receive disability benefits 

Over State Pension age

  • Paid automatically when you reach state pension age

  • either a £300 or £150 payment depending on your financial situation.

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Help from your local council - Household Support Fund

  • Local councils are offering help packages including support with increased utility bills

  • The eligibility and amount of support varies from council to council

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