The Arbor closure
The Arbor is currently closed today (26 April) but will be open as normal on Monday 29 April. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income, looking for work or unable to work.
The following benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit, under a single monthly payment:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to some people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead. This letter - called a Migration Notice – explains what you need to do and when. It also provides information on the help available to continue receiving support from the government.
It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter. You will not be moved automatically. Once you’ve received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you’ll need to make a claim for Universal Credit to continue to get financial support. There will be a deadline in your letter. This is 3 months from the date the letter was sent out.
Your current benefits will end as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit and you will not be able to go back to your existing benefit once you have claimed.
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. Link to the different types of support available.
Discretionary Housing Payment
If your Universal Credit payment is not enough to pay your rent, you may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). We assess every case individually by looking at the finances and personal circumstances of the person making the claim.
Council Tax support
If you apply for Universal Credit you’ll need to make an application for Council Tax support separately through the council.