Universal Credit
Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit (UC) was introduced in West Lancashire in September 2014. UC is now the main benefit for most working age claimants. It replaces the six benefits listed below and puts them into a single monthly payment:
- Income based job seekers allowance
- Income related employment support allowance
- Income support
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
- Housing benefit If you rent a property you need to ensure you input your housing costs correctly. To help you with this we have put together the Steps needed to add Housing Costs to your Universal Credit Claim (pdf 1138kb)
If you are a Council tenant, your rent costs will change from 6th April 2026 and you must update your housing costs on your Universal Credit claim. To help you with this, we will include steps on how to do this at the start of April.
Pensioners and people living in supported exempt accommodation should continue to claim housing benefit from West Lancashire Borough Council. Find out more on our exemptions page.
Mixed Aged Couples
Mixed aged couples (where one is working age and one retirement age) who claim universal credit will be treated as a working age couple with the person of retirement age not having to look for employment. Find out more (external link)
Universal Credit recent changes and changes to come (external link)
Universal Credit FAQs
Universal credit links
- How to claim universal credit
- Exemptions
- Council tenants and universal credit
- Help to Claim
- Further information on universal credit (external link)
- Steps needed to add Housing Costs to your Universal Credit Claim (pdf 1138kb)
