Universal Credit (UC) supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

Who can apply for UC?

You may be able to claim UC if:

• you’re on a low income or out of work
• you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
• you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
• you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
• you live in the UK The number of children you have does not affect your eligibility for UC, but it may affect how much you get.

You can use a benefits calculator to check what benefits you could get if you’re not eligible for UC.

Support to apply

You can apply for Universal Credit online, via the Gov.uk website. But if you need help with your application, there is plenty of support available.

Support from Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB):

The CAB Help to Claim provides free confidential support to help people make a new Universal Credit claim

The CAB ‘Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. You can talk to them on the phone, online over chat or face-to-face.

The CAB can also provide support to UC claimants up to first payment date, to access an advance payment, if you don't think you'll have enough money to live on while you wait for your first payment.

• Liverpool CAB: Liverpool has six CAB sites across Liverpool. Find out more on their website. You can call them on call 0808 278 7840 or WhatsApp/Text 07468 533 492.
• Warrington CAB: You can find the Warrington CAB at The Gateway, 89 Sankey St, Warrington, WA1 1SR or call them on 0300 330 9091.
• St Helens CAB: You can find the St Helens CAB at Millennium Centre, Corporation St, WA10 1HJ or call them on 01744 737866.

Find out more about CAB Help to Claim on their website.

Local job centre:

If you cannot access help via the CAB, you can contact your local jobcentre, where staff will help to identify the right support to meet your needs.

UC Helpline:

You can call the Universal Credit Helpline for more support and advice on 0800 328 5644.

Universal Credit (UC) Helper Tool for claimants:

With the help of the Hyde Foundation, we have access to a Universal Credit Helper Tool for our customers. The tool provides a step-by-step guide for UC claimants, that helps them through the UC application process. Looking to see whether they are eligible for UC through a UC benefits calculator. It also provides advice on the application process for Universal Credit.

Support from Torus:

Torus Foundation offer one to one support to find you work and training, give support to claim benefits including Universal Credit, debt advice, help with food vouchers, advice on energy bills, managing your budget and to access affordable loans.

Call them free on 0300 123 5809 or email info@torusfoundation.org.uk, they are here to help you.

Find out more about how they can help you.

Struggling to pay your rent? We are here to help...

We know these are still uncertain and worrying times, but we want you to know that we are here to help and always encourage you to tell us straight away if you are experiencing problems paying your rent.

We can agree affordable repayment plans and provide specialist advice on claiming benefits, maximising income and managing debt through our Income Team. So, please get in touch.

Call free on 0800 678 1894 and ask to speak to our Income Team. Each area has its own team, email yours directly on:

• Warrington - income.management@torus.co.uk
• St Helens - rent.officers@torus.co.uk
• Liverpool - incomeservices@torus.co.uk

Find out more about paying your rent help & support.

Find out more about support for energy bills and cost of living increases

Find out more about Universal Credit

Need to check your rent balance?

Text ‘BALANCE’ to 07520 660 235 You will receive an automatic response showing your balance at the close of business on the previous day. Remember, this service will only work if we have an up-to-date mobile number for you. Contact us to update your details.

Keeping on top of your payments with Direct Debit!

Most customers pay rent by Direct Debit because it’s straightforward, secure and means you never fall behind in your payments. Direct Debits can even be set up to go out weekly, fortnightly or by calendar month, depending on what suits you best. Find out more and set up a Direct Debit.