Overview
Universal Credit is a new benefit to replace existing means-tested benefits. It is being introduced in stages throughout the country, starting with single people then gradually couples and families. Disabled people are being included. To check whether Universal Credit is in your area, use the DWP Online Map
Information updated August 2018. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
Who can claim
To be eligible for universal credit you must:
- be 18 or over;
- be under the qualifying age for pension credit;
- be habitually resident and have the right to reside in the UK
- not be in education
- not have capital of more than £16,000 and any earnings or income you have must not be too high for any universal credit to be paid.
How to claim
You can claim Universal Credit online.
Contact the helpline if you have any questions.
Universal Credit helpline
Telephone: 0345 600 0723
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Unable to use a computer
If you are unable to use a computer, perhaps because of illness or disability, then it is possible to make a claim by phone.
You will need to contact the Universal Credit helpline. Calls to this number are charged but you can call them to call you back. It’s important to do this as it can take about 45 minutes to make your claim and you don’t want to be charged for this call.
Before you start
What you need:
Your session will time out after 20 minutes of no activity so make sure you have all the following information before you start:
- your postcode
- your NI number
- details of your bank, building society, credit union or Post Office card account
- the type of accommodation you have and how much rent you pay
- your landlord’s address and landlord’s phone number
- details of any savings you have and any other ‘capital’ investments
- details of any income that’s not from work, eg from a pension or insurance plan
- details of how much you earn from work,
- how much you pay for childcare
- details of any other benefits you’re getting
- child benefit reference numbers for any children you have
You might also need these details for people who live in your home, eg your partner. It should take 20 to 40 minutes to complete your claim.
Making the application online:
If you don’t have a computer at home, you can try accessing one free of charge at:
- your local Jobcentre Jobcentre Plus: Directgov – Local Office Search
- your local library (see your local Council’s website)
- your local Council
Not all locations will have computers – it’s a good idea to call to check.
You could also ask a friend or relative if you can use their computer.
If you still can’t find a public place to use a computer, ask your nearest Jobcentre – they should be able to help you find one.
Unable to use a computer
If you are unable to use a computer, perhaps because of illness or disability, then it is possible to make a claim by phone.
You will need to contact the Universal Credit helpline
Helpline: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Calls to this number are charged but you can them to call you back. It’s important to do this as it can take about 45 minutes to make your claim and you don’t want to be charged for this call.
How you get paid
If you’re successful, you should get your first payment 5-6 weeks after you made your claim. If you need money during this time, you can apply for an advance payment. This will then be repaid by reducing the amount you get each month until the advance payment is repaid.
Universal Credit is paid monthly and may include an amount for housing costs, childcare etc. It is your responsibility to manage your money to ensure that you can pay your rent etc. You should be offered help to manage your money, but if you find it too difficult you can ask to have your rent paid directly to your landlord.
The Interview
You’ll need to go to an interview at a Jobcentre to finish your application. This is called a ‘work search interview’ or ‘claimant commitment interview’.
After checking your claim, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you to arrange this interview. If you don’t attend, your application will be cancelled and you will have to start again.
The interview will be with a member of staff who will be your ‘work coach’. If you’re in a couple you’ll have separate interviews.
The purpose of the interview is to:
- check you are who you say you are
- help you understand how Universal Credit works and what will happen next
- come up with a plan to improve your work situation – eg, to get training or find a job
- arrange your ‘claimant commitment’ and you’ll have to sign it
- find out if you need any help with managing your money
Claimant Commitment
Your Claimant Commitment will set out what you have agreed to do to prepare for and look for work, or to increase your earnings if you are already working. It will be based on your personal circumstances and will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Each time it is updated, you will need to accept a new Claimant Commitment to keep receiving Universal Credit.
Sanctions
Your Claimant Commitment will state what will happen if you don’t meet your responsibilities. You will have a cut in your benefit, known as a sanction, if you fail to meet one of your responsibilities and can’t give a good reason to explain why.
Depending on what you failed to do and how many times you have failed to meet your responsibilities, a sanction can last for up to three years.
You can appeal against a sanction.
Work and Universal Credit
Your Universal Credit payment will reduce gradually as you earn more. For every £1 you earn your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by 65p.
You can earn a certain amount before your Universal Credit is reduced if you or your partner either:
- are responsible for a child or young person
- have a have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work
This is called a ‘work allowance’. Your work allowance will be lower if you get help with housing costs.
Information last updated on 4 June 2020. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Money, Benefits & Grants:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I appeal a PIP decision?
It is always a good idea to seek advice when challenging decisions. An advice agency will be able to tell you if you have a good case; how to obtain medical or other evidence; and may be able to represent you at an appeal hearing. In some cases there is a risk of losing a benefit if you challenge a decision. You can also search the Scottish Disability Directory to find your local welfare rights service.
You can challenge a decision if you think it is wrong according to the rules. The decision about your PIP is set out in a letter that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) send you. This is called the decision letter. The date on the letter is the decision date.
A Mandatory Reconsideration is the first step when challenging a PIP decision. It is asking the DWP to look at the decision again. You must normally ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision date.
Appeal to Tribunal is the second step of challenging a PIP decision. You can normally only do this after you have got a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.
For more information see our Benefit Appeals & Reconsideration Guide.
How will PIP affect my ability to use the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. Eligibility to use the Motability Scheme is based on receiving one of the following benefits.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
For existing Scheme customers, their eligibility to remain on the Motability Scheme will depend on the outcome of their assessment for PIP. If you are awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP you should not experience any disruption to your lease as you move from one benefit to the other.
NOT awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
If you are not awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP you will not be eligible to use the Motability Scheme. Being forced to leave the Scheme will be a difficult transition for you and your family.
The Motability Scheme has put in place a one-off package of transitional support to those customers who can no longer use the Scheme as a result of their initial DLA to PIP reassessment. This transitional package will include guidance on your mobility options and next steps, financial support if eligible, advice on buying a second hand car, information on insurance, maintenance and other mobility solutions, as well as the purchase price of your vehicle. You will be able to keep the car for eight weeks after the DLA payments stop.
In addition, if you first joined the Scheme before the end of 2013 you will have the option to keep the car for 26 weeks after the last DLA payment. If you choose to keep the car for this extended period your transitional support payment will be reduced.
For further details of the transitional support process please visit the Motability website. Their website has a useful section with more detailed information on the transitional support package. You can also phone the Motability Scheme helpline on 0300 456 4566.
Am I eligible for a reduction on Vehicle tax?
You might be eligible for a reduction or exemption on vehicle tax if you are disabled and meet the eligibility criteria. The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or nominated driver’s name and must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs.
You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.
For more information contact our helpline on 0300 323 9962.
How can I find out what benefits might I be eligible for?
A good first step to see whether you are eligible to apply for certain benefits is to have a ‘benefits check’. A benefits check is a calculation that will include an estimate of what and how much you might get. You can get a check at your local welfare rights project, local Council Money Advice or Citizens Advice Bureau. Some housing associations and GP surgeries might also offer them.
You can also use the Turn2us benefit calculator online.
Before doing a benefits check, you will need information about any savings, income, pension, childcare payments or existing benefits (for both yourself and your partner).
To find your local welfare rights service search our Scottish Disability Directory. or contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
What support is available to help keep warm this winter?
At this time of year fuel costs increase and it can be difficult to keep yourself warm and cosy!
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available throughout the country to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down. Check out our Help to heat your home guide for more information on what you might be eligible for.
Home Energy Scotland is a free impartial energy advice service to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, make referrals to funding schemes and can arrange benefits and tax credit checks to help people access available assistance.
If you would like more information about how you can help heat your home then please call Home Energy Scotland’s free helpline on 0808 808 2282 to check what support you might be entitled to. You can also text WARM to 60163 for a call back or email advice@se.homeenergyscotland.org.
From layering up with fleeces and blankets, to keeping refueled with hot drinks, there are ways that you can help keeps yourself cosier and keeps fuel costs down. For some extra tips check out our Get Winter Ready blog and/or the Home Energy Scotland ‘Keeping your home warm this winter’ blog.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed/ or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called ‘zero-rated’ or ‘eligible for VAT relief’.
The majority of suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT at the point of sale.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet these conditions. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
Money, Benefits & Grants:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Action on Disability Ltd | Promote the integration of all disabled people into the community |
| Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau | Provide information to people living in the local area |
| Aberdeenshire North Foodbank | Provide food parcels to people in crisis |
| Aberdeenshire South Foodbank | Services provided: The area covered by the ASFB extends from the edge of Aberdeen City west to Braemar and from Strathdon to Portlethen, Stonehaven and Inverbervie. To obtain a food parcel from the Foodbank you must have been referred to them by a fron… |
| Aberdeenshire Support and Advice Team (ASAT) | Provide welfare rights advice |
| About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
| Absafe | Teach people how to recognise risk, avoid danger and make safe decisions in everyday life |
| ACCESS Angus | ACCESS Angus is the way for Angus citizens to access council services |
| Access to Elected Office Fund | Providing financial support for disabled people standing in Local Authority and Scottish Parliament elections to address impairment-related barriers and disadvantages. |
| Action for Kids Charitable Trust | Provides children & young people with equipment which enables them to have independent movement |
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