Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a part of the government’s welfare reform changes. Universal Credit will eventually replace the following existing benefits and tax credits, which will instead be paid to you in a single monthly payment:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit has now been rolled out to all new claimants in Thanet.
This means that if you live in the Thanet District, you will not be able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit unless you:
-
- have reached State Pension age
- are in exempt accommodation (you will need to claim Universal Credit but you may also get some help from Thanet District Council)
- are in temporary accommodation placed by our Housing Options Team
If you don’t fall into one of these categories, you will need to make a claim for housing costs through Universal Credit.
If you do fall into one of these categories, you will need to make a claim for Housing Benefit.
Assisted digital support
Universal Credit claims must be made online. If you don’t have access to the internet or need help with making a claim for Universal Credit, please contact your local Citizens Advice. If you are able to make the claim online, then please do so as delays in applying may affect your entitlement.
Council Tax Support
Universal Credit will not replace Council Tax Support. If you haven’t applied for help with your Council Tax, you can do this quickly and easily using our online claim form.
If you have a Universal Credit claim
Once you are claiming Universal Credit, you will stay on Universal Credit, even if your circumstances change or you move into or out of our area.
It’s important that once you’ve made your claim for Universal Credit, you check your journal regularly. Please provide any information requested as quickly as possible to help avoid your payments being delayed or your claim being cancelled.
You can contact the Universal Credit Full Service Centre by phoning 0800 328 5644.
If you need to send post to Universal Credit Full Service, there are two addresses that you need to be aware of:
Signed delivery and recorded delivery must be addressed to:
UCFS Post, Canterbury BC
Nutwood House
Chaucer Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 1 ZZ
All other post must be addressed to: Freepost DWP UNIVERSAL CREDIT FULL SERVICE
If mail is not addressed correctly there is a risk the post will be sent to the wrong place which could result in delays to claims being processed and paid.
Your local Jobcentre can photocopy and verify your evidence if you don’t want to send your originals in the post.
The following organisations can help you get online:
Birchington Library
Alpha Road, Birchington, CT7 9EG
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 10am to 2pm
Closed Wednesday
Support available: Self-service only
Broadstairs Library
The Broadway, Broadstairs, CT10 2BS
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 8pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Support available: Self-service only
Cliftonville Library
Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Margate, CT9 3JX
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 6pm
Saturday 10am to 2pm
Closed Wednesday
Support available: Self-service only
Margate Library
Thanet Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1RE
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 8pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Support available: Self-service only
Newington Library
Marlowe Academy, Marlowe Way, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6NB
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 10am to 2pm
Wednesday Closed
Support available: Self-service only
Ramsgate Library
Guildford Lawn, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 9AY
Phone: 03000 413131
Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Support available: Support available
Thanet District Council
Thanet Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1RE
Phone: 01843 577000
Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Support available: Support available