Help with Universal Credit

In Eastbourne, Universal Credit will switch to the "full service" from 11th October 2017, which will mean more people will be moved onto the new benefit. This will apply to new claimants and people on one of the means tested benefits who have a change of circumstances.

Universal Credit will replace:

• Housing Benefit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income Support

If you're thinking of claiming one of these benefits for the first time, you might need to apply for Universal Credit instead. It depends where you live - check if you can apply.

If you’re getting any of these benefits, you don’t need to do anything until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) gets in touch.

If you have paid or been credited with enough National insurance contributions you may be able to claim New Style Jobseekers Allowance or New Style Employment Support Allowance.  Find out more by visiting gov.uk :

New Style Jobseekers Allowance

New Style Employment Support Allowance

 

Help to Claim

Need help claiming Universal Credit? Need help getting online or applying?

Come to our drop-in at Citizens Advice Eastbourne, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 1pm to 3pm

Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

or

Eastbourne Jobcentre  Tuesdays and Friday mornings from 10am till 1pm

No appointment necessary

Call us for free: 0800 144 8 444
Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Get support online or find your nearest face to face
service at: citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim

To get prepared here's a checklist of what you will need Universal Credit Checklist What you need to apply

 

Help with computers and internet access

We have collated information on places where people can get help with IT support and training and free internet access.

IT Support and Internet Access - List

IT Support and Internet Access - Map

 

Basic Bank Accounts 

We have also contacted local banks to ask them about setting up basic bank accounts for people moving onto Universal Credit. The following banks in Eastbourne Town Centre offer basic bank accounts:

Basic Bank Accounts List  Word version   PDF version

 

Advice and Information Online

There is plenty of advice and information about Universal Credit on the Citizens Advice Public site 

citizensadvice.org.uk

including a list of what you'll need before you apply.

Applying for Universal Credit

and how to prepare for your first interview at the JobCentre

Prepare for your first interview

 

Other help available

East Sussex benefits helpline - for advice about benefits including how Universal Credit could affect you.

Call: 0333 344 0681
Email: benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com

Universal Credit Helpline - to request an advance payment. It can take up to 6 weeks to get your first payment so this could tide you over until then. You will need to pay back this loan.

Call: 0800 328 9344 
Text: 0800 328 1344 

Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme - crisis support.

Call: 0300 3309494
Visit: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/DESSS

 

Eastbourne Food Bank

42 Grove Road
Eastbourne
BN21 4TY

Check here for opening times and other locations:

https://eastbourne.foodbank.org.uk/locations/