Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit payment, it is replacing things such as housing benefit and tax credits. You'll find lots of information about it on the Move To Universal Credit website [external link].
With Universal Credit, you get one payment each month - in the past, people got separate payments for things like housing benefit, income support, child tax credit and jobseeker's allowance.
You can apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or unemployed. You will usually only be able to claim Universal Credit if you are aged 18 or over, but some people aged 16 or 17 can get it, depending on their circumstances.
Universal Credit replaces:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
If you are already claiming these benefits or tax credits, the Department for Work and Pensions will get in touch with you before there are any changes to your benefits or tax credits. You will not be moved over automatically and will need to apply yourself for Universal Credit.
You can apply to claim Universal Credit on the gov.uk website [external link]. You can get help to claim Universal Credit from Citizens Advice [external link].
We don't want you to feel worried or anxious about Universal Credit, but we do want to help you get ready. Contact us to speak to our Tenancy Sustainment team [internal link] for support.
Citizens Advice website [external link] - information and advice with benefits
Gov.uk website [external link] - this is the official government website for information about benefits
Money Helper website [external link] - this website has information about benefits, debt and budgeting.
How to contact us
There are several ways you can contact us:
- Use your Darlington Home Online account.
- Register for a Darlington Home Online account [external link] or log in to your account [external link].
- More information on your Darlington Home Online account.
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: 01325 405333
Any emergency repairs can be reported to 01325 405333 24/7 365 days a year.
What if I am not satisfied with the response?
We aim to work closely with our residents, listen to their views and resolve any concerns.
If you are unhappy with the response from the Housing team you can make a complaint through the complaints procedure.
Contact the Complaints Team:
- Complete the online complaints form
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: 01325 406777