Skip to main content

You can apply for Universal Credit to help with your living costs if you are on a low income or out of work, dependant on your circumstances.

If your circumstances change or you make a new claim you will be required to claim Universal Credit.

If you qualify for help towards your rent this will be paid directly to you and you will need to pay your landlord yourself. However in some circumstances rent can be paid directly to your landlord at your request or at your landlords’ request.

Other changes include:

  • If you live as a couple with someone, you will receive one monthly joint payment into a single bank account.
  • You will have to make your claim online.
  • It will be paid directly into your bank account.
  • It is paid monthly in arrears so it can take up to five weeks to receive your first payment.
  • There are no limits as to how many hours a week you can work, however your payment will decrease as you earn more.

Universal Credit replaces the following benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit.
  • Housing Benefit.
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Working Tax Credit.

For information about other benefits administered by the Council please see the Benefits page.

Contact Us

For further information, please contact Dudley Council Plus.

Telephone: 0300 555 2345

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The office is closed on weekends and bank holidays.