Moving to area using Universal Credit when currently on tax credit

Drummer82

I am currently receiving child and working tax credit in the area I live in, I also received some housing benefit.
My area has not switched over yet, and I'm actually not sure when they will.

I'm looking to move in the next few months to an area that already has Universal Credit in place, does anyone know what will happen in this circumstance?
Will I stay on Tax Credit or be moved over?

I'm not sure yet if I will need to apply for housing benefit, but I probably will eventually to help with the rent as I'm on a low income.
Would it be at this point I may change over?

Rubyroobs

All areas are now under UC for new claims. If you are moving to an area and will need to make a new claim for housing benefit under a different local authority then you will need to switch to UC unless you are exempt from claiming because you get severe disability premium on other benefits. if you are not making a new claim then you can stay as you are.

Drummer82

Thanks, so basically if I move and can manage on my current tax credits, nothing changes, I just inform them that I have moved.

If in the future I need help with paying the rent, I would need to do an new application for UC.

I assume I will still received tax credits until I receive any new payments from UC?

poppy12345

Drummer82 wrote: »

Thanks, so basically if I move and can manage on my current tax credits, nothing changes, I just inform them that I have moved.

If in the future I need help with paying the rent, I would need to do an new application for UC.

I assume I will still received tax credits until I receive any new payments from UC?

Yes it will be just a change of address, if you're not claiming housing benefit.


Yes, it's not possible to make a new claim for housing benefit, unless the area you're moving to is the same local council, as already advised.


Once you make a claim for UC then your tax credits will stop. You will be able to ask for an advance payment of UC when you claim but this will need to be paid back from future UC payments. It takes 5 weeks to receive a first payment of UC.


You will need to claim council tax reduction separately because it's not part of UC.