First Choice Homes Oldham launches free Universal Credit hotline number for its customers

First Choice Homes Oldham

First Choice Homes Oldham has launched a free hotline number to help its customers who are worried about Universal Credit. The number is Freephone 0800 1955 440.

Universal Credit is a new benefit for people out of work or on a low income. It is gradually replacing six ‘means-tested’ benefits including Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Oldham was one of the initial pilot areas for Universal Credit and some residents have already moved over to the benefit including 1,500 customers of First Choice Homes. This number will continue to increase as the Department of Work and Pensions roll Universal Credit out to all benefit claimants.

First Choice Homes is encouraging people who will be moving to Universal Credit to take action to make sure they are prepared for the transition to the new benefit. It can take at least five weeks for the application to be processed and for claimants to receive their first Universal Credit payment.

Vinny Roche, Chief Executive at First Choice Homes said: “We are urging customers not to bury their heads in the sand but to speak to us now and find out how they can prepare to successfully move to Universal Credit. We can offer help and advice on paying your rent to make the transition much easier.” 

First Choice Homes customers with questions on Universal Credit can call 0800 1955 440.