Universal Credit – Help and Support

PLEASE SEE BELOW FROM SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Universal Credit: available support

Changes are being made to the Universal Credit system this month which will see the temporary £20 a week uplift to payments coming to an end. The uplift was introduced by the Government in response to the pandemic and ended on 6 October, when Universal Credit payments returned to their pre-pandemic levels. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to set out the support that is available from us to residents who may be facing financial hardship.

Residents finding it difficult to transition back to previous Universal Credit payment levels should contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss the support that we may be able to provide. There are a range of options for those struggling financially, including:

  • Discretionary Housing Payments which provide financial support towards housing costs. You can apply for these Discretionary Housing Payments here
  • The Council Tax Hardship Fund, which aims to provide support to those who are struggling financially because of the pandemic. You can apply for this Hardship Fund here
  • Support and advice from our Welfare and Money Maximisation Officer, Lucy Tompkins, who can be contacted via lucy.tompkins@scambs.gov.uk
  • Signposting to external support and advice agencies
  • Along with Cambridgeshire County Council and partners, we also still offer a one-off small payment to help with immediate food of fuel needs. Anyone needing that one-off help should email our communities team.

Email our Benefits team if you have specific questions or call 03450 450 061. Residents on Universal Credit can also seek financial advice and support via Citizens Advice. This should be accessed via a referral from their work coach at DWP Cambridge.