Apply for Universal Credit if you:
- are aged between 18 and pension age
- live in North Ayrshire
- aren't living in supported, exempt accommodation
Universal Credits include any housing costs you are entitled to. You will need to make arrangements to pay your rent or you can choose for DWP to pay the Housing Element when making your application.
Paying your rent, on time and in full, is the most important part of your tenancy agreement. Contact your landlord to discuss payment options.
The Housing Element may be less than your rent charge and you may need to pay the difference (eg under occupancy).
You may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
Help with paying your rent
- Council tenants - contact the Welfare Reform Advice Team, telephone 0300 999 4606
- Housing Association and private tenants - contact your landlord.
Turning pension age on Universal Credit
If you are on Universal Credit and you have reached pension age (single claim) or both you and your partner (joint claim) are pension age then your Universal Credit will stop. To receive help with your housing costs you must apply for Housing Benefit.
Paying your Council Tax
Please make sure that you have made arrangements to pay your Council Tax.