Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Universal Credit and Pension Credit
Find out about and apply for Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It replaces these six older benefits:
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support.
Who can claim?
If you’re of working age, you can no longer apply for the six benefits above. You’ll need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Check if you're eligible and apply on GOV.UK
Exceptions: If you live in certain types of supported or temporary housing, you might still get Housing Benefit.
Already getting one of the old benefits?
You don’t need to do anything unless your situation changes. The DWP will contact you when it’s time to switch.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit helps people over State Pension age who have a low income. It tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.
Many people in Norwich could be missing out on this extra money—sometimes hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year.
Check if you're eligible and apply on GOV.UK
Check what benefits you can get
Not sure what benefits you’re entitled to?
Use a benefits calculator to find out:
- how much Housing Benefit you could get
- what other benefits you might qualify for
- how changes in your life (like a new job or moving house) could affect your benefits.
