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Benefits Checklist

Universal Credit versus ‘legacy benefits’

Universal Credit replaces the following legacy benefits:

  • Income-related Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
You cannot make a new claim for legacy benefits apart from Housing Benefit which you can claim if you are in specified supported or temporary homeless accommodation.
It is very important you make sure you will be better off on Universal Credit before making a claim. You cannot return to or reclaim legacy benefits if you make a mistake.
If you are disabled and claim Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment and receive legacy benefits, you should seek advice before claiming Universal Credit.
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Benefit Cap

The benefit cap sets a limit to the total amount of certain benefits you can receive. If you receive more than the relevant benefit cap for your situation your benefits will be reduced in line with the cap.

If you’re in a couple, the benefit cap in Telford and the Wrekin per week is £423.46, and per month £1,835.

If you’re a single parent and your children live with you, the cap per week is £423.46, and per month £1,835.

You may be exempt from the benefit cap if you are in work and receive Working Tax Credit, have weekly earnings of at least 16 times the National Minimum/Living Wage rate or receive certain disability/sickness benefits.

Some of the benefits included in the cap are Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and Maternity Allowance.
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Types of Benefits

Some benefits are income-based, such as Universal Credit and Working/Child Tax Credit and take into account your household income. If you qualify for income-based benefits you can also qualify for other benefits such as the Sure Start Maternity Grant, Healthy Start vouchers or help with housing and council tax costs.
Some of the benefits included in the cap are Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and Maternity Allowance.
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Contributory benefits are based on your National Insurance contributions (from employed and self-employed work) and does not take into account your partner’s income.

Work-related benefits such as Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance depend on your earnings and employment history and do not take into account your partner’s income. Work-related benefits are limited if you are self-employed, but you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance. You may also be able to claim Maternity Allowance if you help in your partner’s business.

Income-based benefits

  • If you have a low income and savings/capital of less than £6,000
  • If you live with a partner, you must make a joint claim.
  • Both your incomes will be taken into account
  • You must have the right to reside in the UK
  • Income-based benefits are classed as public funds

Contributory benefits

  • If you have paid/been credited with enough National Insurance Contributions
  • Your partner’s income will not be taken into account.
  • You do not need to have the right to reside in the UK but other residence tests may apply)
  • Contributory benefits are not classed as public funds

Work-related benefits

  • If you meet the employment and earnings conditions
  • Your partner’s income will not be taken into account.
  • You do not need to have the right to reside in the UK
  • Work-related benefits are not classed as public funds

Immigration and residence status

Your immigration or residence status may affect your entitlement to benefits, and claiming benefits classed as public funds may harm any future immigration applications and affect your ability to remain in the UK.

For the full list of public funds, see here.