Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you. 

If you are currently claiming other benefits why not use an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit? It is important to also get independent advice before you apply. You can find out more about Universal Credit on this site. If you’re ready to make a claim, visit gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim

• Understanding Universal Credit

Council tax support is a local scheme paid by the council to help certain groups of people pay their council tax.

Anyone who has to pay council tax can claim. However council tax support is there to help people on low income to pay their council tax bill. It is assessed by looking at your: 

• household 
• any other adults living with you 
• personal circumstances 
• income

Please note you will not be entitled to council tax support if you have savings of over £16,000 (unless you are in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit).

• Find out about council tax support

Housing Benefit is money to help you with your housing costs if you are on a low income. It can help with rent and some service charges. You could qualify for this help whether you are in or out of work.

As part of its welfare reforms the Government has introduced Universal Credit, a new benefit that replaces six existing benefits, including Housing Benefit, with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income. It applies to all working age customers in Lancaster City Council’s area from 27 July 2016.

• Find out about housing benefit

Housing benefit and council tax support are schemes designed to help those on low incomes meet their rent and council tax payments.

Click here for information around benefits and support