Universal Credit

This information is for single parents about to claim Universal Credit, already getting it or who want to know more about it. It explains what Universal Credit is, how to claim, how it is calculated and how it is paid.

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What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit has gradually been introduced across the UK. It provides financial support, for living expenses and housing costs, to working age people both in and out of work and their families.

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Moving from older benefits to Universal Credit

Most people receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit (legacy benefits) will be ‘invited’ to claim Universal Credit by 2024.

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How much is Universal Credit?

The amount of Universal Credit you’ll receive is based on your income, savings and family circumstances.

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The Benefit Cap

The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefits you can be paid each year.

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How do I apply for Universal Credit?

You apply for Universal Credit online. There may also be some work related tasks you must agree to complete in order to keep being paid. 

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How is Universal Credit paid?

Payments of Universal Credit made on the same date each month into your bank account unless you request more frequent payments.

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Useful contacts

Services to help with your Universal Credit claim and award.

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Covering your tracks

You may not want other people to know that you’ve been searching for information or help from OPFS.

When browsing the internet whether on a mobile phone, tablet or computer, you leave a ‘history’ trail of pages and sites you’ve visited.

It’s impossible to completely avoid being tracked online but if you’re worried about someone knowing which sites you’ve been looking at, there are some things you can do to help cover your tracks.

If you’re using a laptop or desktop computer, try keeping another document or website open in a new tab or window while browsing. If someone comes in the room and you don’t want them to see what you’re looking at, you can quickly switch to another window or tab.

Deleting browsing history

You can delete the history of websites you’ve visited, but it’s important to know that if you delete your browsing history, someone else using the same device may notice.

If you share a tablet, mobile phone, laptop or computer with someone, they might notice that passwords or website addresses have disappeared from their history.

Find out how to remove your browsing history and other data from some of the most commonly used browsers:

Browsing in Private mode (incognito)

When browsing ‘incognito’, the internet browser won’t store cookies or record your browsing history on the computer, mobile or tablet.

This option is available on popular web browsers i.e. -

Toolbars

If you use a search toolbar in your web browser, remember that your searched items can be saved as part of your history. Find out how to delete your searched items from the following search engines: