If you are of working age and need help with paying your rent, claims will be made through Universal Credit.
For more information on this and Universal Credit please visit the Universal Credit page on the Government website.
Universal Credit
Universal credit is the benefit system that replaced many of the current benefits and tax credits. It is for working age individuals, including single parents. You can claim it whether you have a job or not. It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has been introduced gradually across the country. Universal Credit has replaced six working age and income-related benefits, also called 'legacy benefits'.
It brings together the following benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
You have to claim Universal Credit online. This can be on a computer, smart phone or tablet. The Department for Work and Pensions have produced a short video to help you learn more about Universal Credit, how it works and what it will mean for you. You may find it useful to watch the video, to familiarise yourself with the new Universal Credit claim process.
Further guidance for people who are claiming Universal Credit can be found on the Government website.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, or if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit stops for any reason, please contact the Income Management Team on 01543 462621 or send an email to incomemanagementteam@cannockchasedc.gov.uk. We can help and advise.
Useful links
- Important update - April 2026
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As of April 2026, the Government have now lifted the two-child limit for Universal Credit (UC).
This means you can receive the child element for all children, not just the first two. For some households, this could mean hundreds of pounds more each month. However, some households may not get extra money because of something called the Benefit Cap.
Benefit Cap
The Benefit Cap is a limit on how much income you can receive from just benefits.
The monthly limits currently are:- £1,835 for couples or single parents
- £1,229.42 for single adults
If your total benefits go over this amount, your Universal Credit may be reduced.
If you start receiving a qualifying benefit or begin working, the benefit cap should stop.
Not claiming UC?
If you have three or more children and were previously told you didn’t qualify, it’s worth checking again from April 2026. You may now be entitled to Universal Credit, you can use an online calculator to find out if you are eligible.
If you need more support please contact our Income Management Team. We can discuss or refer you to Citizens Advise for further assistance. - Keeping your DWP Journal up to date
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You must keep your Universal Credit journal up to date so you don't lose out. We can help.
Following the annual rent increase it is your responsibility to inform universal credit of the changes in your housing costs. A new 'Confirm your housing costs' message will be in your “To-do List” at the beginning of April, each year.
You must complete the update on your journal before the end of your Universal Credit assessment period in April or you will miss out on the money you are due.
If you need help with your journal please speak to your Income/ Neighbourhood officer.
If you don’t tell the DWP about your rent rise, your Universal Credit won’t be increased to cover your new rent and you could miss out on benefits you are due.
If you receive Housing Benefit you don’t need to do anything. Your benefit will be automatically updated.
If you pay by standing order you need to speak to your bank about increasing your payment.
Make sure you include your rent reference number so your payment reaches your account without delay.