Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Claim for Universal Credit
If you are on a low income or out of work, you may be eligible for Universal Credit.
How it works
Universal Credit is a monthly payment and is replacing the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseekers Allowance (income based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
If you want to make a new claim for benefits, you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead.
If you are already receiving one or more of these benefits
From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions is writing to some people who receive the benefits shown above to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead, to ensure they still continue receiving financial support. This letter is called a 'Migration Notice'.
You do not need to take any action until you receive your Migration Notice Letter, however when you do, it is important you check the date that you will need to claim by as you won't be moved automatically.
Please don't ignore your letter as it explains what you need to do next. It also provides information on the help available to prevent you from missing out on financial support from the government.
If you want some help with your Universal Credit application or you're concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment refer to GOV.UK: Support and Independent advice.
For more information about the move go to GOV.UK: Move to Universal Credit.
How to claim Universal Credit
To make a claim, you will need to apply for Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.
If you do not have access to the internet, you can get help making your claim from Citizens Advice.
Get help with your Universal Credit application on the Citizen Advice website
If your benefits do not cover your full rent
A Discretionary Housing payment can be made to help make up any shortfall in the amount of housing costs included in your Universal Credit and your rent, help towards moving costs, or deposits required to move to more suitable accommodation, that may be more affordable to you.