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  3. Important changes to benefits – What you need to know
30th July 2025

Important changes to benefits – What you need to know

As a tenant of Golden Lane Housing, if you are applying for Universal Credit, it’s really important that you fill in the application form correctly to make sure your Housing Benefit continues to be paid properly.

Are you applying for Universal Credit or have you received a ‘migration notice’?
Whether you are applying for Universal Credit for the first time or have received a ‘migration notice’, the form will ask you “about where you live.”
In this section, you must tick the box that says:
“I live in supported or sheltered housing; a hostel or refuge.”
 
Ticking this box is really important.
If you don’t, your Housing Benefit might stop, and you could face problems paying your rent.
 
What else should I do?
Tell your support provider or key worker when you apply for Universal Credit.
Ask someone to go through the form with you if you need help.
Make sure your local council knows you are living in supported housing – this helps with your Housing Benefit.

Helpful information from Mencap
Mencap has produced easy-to-understand guides and factsheets to help you learn more about Universal Credit and how it works.
You can find them here:
Mencap’s Universal Credit Factsheets
 
These guides explain:
What Universal Credit is
How it affects people with a learning disability
What to do when making a claim

Need help?
If you’re unsure about anything:
Talk to your support worker or housing officer.
Contact your local council benefits team.
Visit the Mencap website for more information.
Visit the gov.uk website to read more about how to apply

 
Please share this information with other tenants, families, and support staff to make sure no one misses out.