Tax and benefit information

Below is some relevant information about Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Bedroom Tax and more which may effect your money. 

If you are experiencing any fianncial difficulties, are unsure about what benefits you're entitiled to or wish to speak to someone about your finances please get in touch with our team. 

Call us on 0300 303 9848 and ask to speak to the Rent Support Team or email us at rentfirst@wvht.co.uk

Universal Credit Migration

Universal Credit - if you receive a Migration Notice letter from the DWP.

Universal Credit is rolling out to further customers throughout 2024/25. The DWP will write to you to let you know when this is happening.

If you receive a Migration Notice letter from the DWP

To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. This is 3 months from the date the letter was sent.

If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline as soon as possible. 

They can only give you more time to make a claim if you have a good reason. You must request this before the deadline date on your letter.

Visit here for more information.

Transitional protection’ payments

These are an additional amount to help with your move to Universal Credit. The payment will make up the difference if your Universal Credit entitlement is less than your previous tax credits or benefits.

You can only get this additional amount if you have received a Migration Notice and claim by the deadline date on your letter.

Bedroom Tax

The spare-room subsidy - commonly called the Bedroom Tax - applies to people of working age who claim housing benefit or Universal Credit and have spare bedrooms.

It will not affect anyone of Pension Credit age. Calculate your Pension Credit age here.

It will not affect a couple where the eldest member has reached Pension Credit age, even if the younger member is still of working age.

How much will the reduction be?

Your housing benefit will be reduced by a percentage rate of your rent charged. If you receive partial housing benefit you will have the size criteria applied in the same way as those on full housing benefit.

The reduction is worked out on the number of bedrooms you are under-occupying.

  • 14% for 1 extra bedroom
  • 25% for 2 extra bedrooms

How Many Bedrooms Are Allowed?

One bedroom is allowed for:

  • Each adult couple
  • Any other adult aged 16 or over
  • Two children of the same sex under the age of 16
  • Two children regardless of sex under the age of 10
  • Any other child (other than a foster child or a child whose main home is elsewhere).
  • A carer, or one of a team of carers, who do not live with you but provide you or your partner with overnight care.

Examples

  • A couple with two children, a boy, 3 and a girl, 5 will qualify for Universal Credit for a two bedroom home. One bedroom for the couple and one bedroom for the two children as they are both under 10.
  • A couple with two children, a boy, 8 and a girl, 11 will qualify for Universal Credit for a three bedroom home. One bedroom for the couple and one bedroom for each of the children (different sexes with one over the age of 10).
  • A lone parent with three children, two boys, 11 and 6 and one girl, 13 will qualify for housing benefit for a three bedroom home. One bedroom for the lone parent, one bedroom for the two boys and one bedroom for the girl as she is over 10.