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Benefits advice
We know that every penny counts especially with all the changes the Government is making to the benefits system. But even when money’s tight, you must make sure that your rent is always the first bill you pay
If you live in Ashton-in-Makerfield, are of working age, and have a change in circumstances that affects your benefits, you will now need to claim Universal Credit Full Service.
Claims must be completed entirely online. Your benefits will be paid in one lump sum, once a month and you will be responsible for paying your rent directly to us. If you need help with this, please get in touch. For more information click the link.
If you live in Ashton-in-Makerfield, are of working age, and have a change in circumstances that affects your benefits, you will now need to claim Universal Credit Full Service.
Claims must be completed entirely online. Your benefits will be paid in one lump sum, once a month and you will be responsible for paying your rent directly to us. If you need help with this, please get in touch. For more information click the link.
- 1. Benefits Advice
- 2. Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- 3. Benefit changes
- 14% if you have 1 spare bedroom
- 25% if you have 2 or more spare bedrooms
What to do if you need help
If the money you receive from benefits doesn't cover the full cost of your rent, you are responsible for paying any shortfall. If you can't afford to make up the difference you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Click the link to the right for more information.
If you're worried that benefit changes may mean you can't pay your rent, please get in touch.
Get in touchUniversal Credit
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with a single monthly payment if you are out of work or on a low income.
If you claim Universal Credit any help you receive towards housing costs will be paid directly to you, not us. You will be responsible for paying your rent immediately you receive your Universal Credit payment.
If you’re concerned about making and maintaining your claim online, our Universal Credit support team can help.
Get Universal Credit helpMore changes to benefits
The Benefit Cap
The Government has limited the total amount of benefit you can get. This is known as the Benefit Cap.
Find out more about the cap, and which benefits are affected, by clicking the link to the right.
Bedroom Tax
Your housing benefit could be reduced if you have a spare bedroom.
It will be reduced by:
To read more about the Bedroom Tax, please click the link to the right.
What to do if you need help
If the money you receive from benefits doesn't cover the full cost of your rent, you are responsible for paying any shortfall. If you can't afford to make up the difference you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Click the link to the right for more information.
If you're worried that benefit changes may mean you can't pay your rent, please get in touch.
Get in touchUniversal Credit
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with a single monthly payment if you are out of work or on a low income.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
If you claim Universal Credit any help you receive towards housing costs will be paid directly to you, not us. You will be responsible for paying your rent immediately you receive your Universal Credit payment.
If you’re concerned about making and maintaining your claim online, our Universal Credit support team can help.
Get Universal Credit helpMore changes to benefits
The Benefit Cap
The Government has limited the total amount of benefit you can get. This is known as the Benefit Cap.
Find out more about the cap, and which benefits are affected, by clicking the link to the right.
Bedroom Tax
Your housing benefit could be reduced if you have a spare bedroom.
It will be reduced by:
- 14% if you have 1 spare bedroom
- 25% if you have 2 or more spare bedrooms
To read more about the Bedroom Tax, please click the link to the right.