Universal Credit, Child Benefit & Council Tax Support Applications

The UK benefits system is meant to help people – but for many families it feels confusing, stressful and full of risk. One wrong answer on a form or one missed update in your online account can lead to:

• delayed payments,
• underpayments (you get less than you should),
• overpayments (you’re later asked to repay money),
• or even sanctions and benefit stops.

If you are working, self-employed, have children, pay rent or council tax, it is very easy to feel lost between Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Support – especially when your income, household or job changes.

At Audit Consulting Group (ACG), we help individuals, families and small business owners across the UK to:

• complete new applications for Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Support,
• understand what they are entitled to,
• gather the correct evidence,
• report changes accurately and on time,
• keep benefits in sync with real income and tax records.

We are accountants and advisers, not the DWP or HMRC or your local council. We don’t decide what you get. But we do make sure your applications are professional, accurate and complete, so the people making decisions have the best possible information in front of them.

What These Benefits Actually Are – In Plain English

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income, out of work or unable to work. It can help with:

• basic living costs,
• rent (Housing Costs element),
• children (Child element),
• extra needs due to health or caring responsibilities.

It replaces older benefits such as Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. You normally claim Universal Credit online and report your earnings and circumstances every month.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is usually paid to the person who is mainly responsible for looking after a child. It is:

• paid every 4 weeks (sometimes weekly),
• not dependent on your income at the point of claim,
• subject to a “High Income Child Benefit Charge” if one partner’s income is over a certain threshold.

Child Benefit is administered by HMRC, not the DWP. The claim form and rules are different from Universal Credit.

Council Tax Support / Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Support (sometimes called Council Tax Reduction) is run by your local council. It helps reduce the amount of council tax you pay if your income is low or if you receive other benefits such as Universal Credit.

Each council has its own scheme, its own forms and sometimes its own rules about:

• who qualifies,
• how much support is given,
• how earnings and savings are treated.

This mix of national benefits (Universal Credit, Child Benefit) and local schemes (Council Tax Support) is why many people feel overwhelmed. Our job is to bring it all together in a way that makes sense for your real life, not just for the rulebook.

Who Our Benefit Application Support Is For

We work with a wide range of clients throughout the UK, including:

Working families and single parents

• Parents juggling jobs, school runs and childcare.
• People moving from Tax Credits to Universal Credit.
• Families unsure how Child Benefit and Universal Credit interact.

Self-employed and small business owners

• Sole traders whose income changes month to month.
• Company directors with a mix of salary, dividends and irregular income.
• People who need to align their business records with Universal Credit and Council Tax Support claims.

People with more complex circumstances

• Couples where one partner works and the other cares for children or relatives.
• Households with disability or health conditions.
• Mixed-age couples moving from legacy benefits.

New arrivals and people with limited English or digital skills

• People new to the UK who find the system confusing.
• People who struggle with online forms and uploading documents.

If you feel the benefit system is complicated, you are not alone. It is complicated – and we are here to guide you through it calmly and professionally.

Why Work With Audit Consulting Group?

We understand income and benefits together

Most benefit decisions are based on your income – salary, self-employed earnings, pensions, savings, rental income and more. As accountants, we already specialise in these numbers.

We combine that with a clear understanding of:

• how Universal Credit treats earnings and savings,
• how Child Benefit interacts with higher incomes,
• how local councils calculate Council Tax Support.

This means we can design your applications so they reflect your true position accurately, in a way that decision-makers can understand.

Plain English, not benefit jargon

We turn complicated questions into simple language. You’ll always know:

• what you are applying for,
• why a particular question matters,
• what evidence is needed and why.

Joined-up support across multiple systems

Instead of one adviser for Universal Credit, another for Child Benefit and another for Council Tax Support, you have one team that looks at your whole situation:

• household income,
• children,
• housing,
• council tax,
• tax returns and accounts.

This reduces mistakes, contradictions and stressful letters.

Professional, not “form filling only”

We don’t just type in whatever you say and send the form. We:

• check your information for consistency,
• flag any risks (for example, missing income or savings you forgot about),
• help you understand the implications of your answers,
• suggest questions you may want to ask the DWP, HMRC or council.

You are always in control – but with a professional adviser on your side.

What’s Included in Our Universal Credit, Child Benefit & Council Tax Support Service

1. Benefit check and entitlement overview

We start with a conversation and a basic entitlement review where we:

• map out your household: adults, children, disabilities, housing, council tax band;
• document all income sources: employment, self-employment, pensions, benefits, rental, savings;
• clarify your current benefit position (if you already claim anything).

We then explain which benefits or reductions you should consider applying for and in what order.

We do not replace official benefit calculators or government advice, but we help you interpret them in the context of your real financial records.

2. Universal Credit – new claims and changes of circumstances

For Universal Credit we help with:

• starting a new claim:
  • setting up your online account,
  • going through the claim questions with you,
  • explaining what each section means,
  • making sure earnings and savings are correctly described;
• changes of circumstances:
  • moving home,
  • starting or leaving work,
  • becoming self-employed,
  • having a baby, forming or ending a couple,
  • health changes and fit notes;
• evidence and verification:
  • preparing pay information for employees,
  • structuring business records for self-employed people,
  • checking that ID, tenancy agreements and other documents are ready to upload.

We also help draft clear, respectful messages in your Universal Credit journal to explain:

• unusual income or gaps in work,
• changes that aren’t easily captured by tick boxes,
• conflicts between Universal Credit numbers and your tax records.

3. Child Benefit – getting it right from the start

Child Benefit can seem simple, but there are important details many people miss:

• which adult should receive it,
• how it interacts with income over the “high-income charge” threshold,
• what happens if you or your partner work abroad,
• how to claim backdated awards in certain situations (for example, delays registering a birth).

We support you to:

• complete the Child Benefit claim form correctly,
• decide whose name the claim should be in,
• understand when you might be affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge,
• keep Child Benefit aligned with your tax returns and Universal Credit claim.

For example, some higher earners choose to keep claiming Child Benefit but pay back some or all via the tax system, so they don’t lose important National Insurance credits for State Pension purposes. We explain these options so you can make an informed choice.

4. Council Tax Support – working with local schemes

Because each council has its own Council Tax Support scheme, we:

• review your local authority’s rules,
• help you complete the correct online or paper form,
• ensure your income and household details match those used for Universal Credit (where relevant),
• assist in providing evidence such as wage slips, bank statements and tenancy agreements.

We also help you understand:

• how Council Tax Support will appear on your council tax bill,
• why it might change during the year,
• how to update the council if your circumstances change.

5. Aligning everything with your tax and accounts

Because we are accountants, we naturally link your benefit applications with your:

• self-assessment returns,
• PAYE information,
• company accounts,
• rental accounts where relevant.

This joined-up approach reduces the chance that HMRC, DWP or your council see conflicting information about your income – a common trigger for reviews and investigations.

6. Ongoing support, not just one-off forms

Benefits rarely stand still. Your job, business, rent or family situation may change, and the rules themselves can be updated.

For clients who want longer-term help, we provide:

• regular check-ins to review income and benefits,
• support with reporting changes promptly,
• help preparing for reviews, compliance checks or interviews if they arise,
• coordination with your tax planning and business decisions.

Our Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 – Free initial conversation

You contact us by phone or email and briefly explain:

• your household and children,
• whether you are working, self-employed or looking for work,
• which benefits you already claim or are thinking about claiming.

We tell you honestly if we can help and outline what that support might look like.

Step 2 – Fixed-fee proposal

If you’d like to go ahead, we send a short proposal detailing:

• which applications and changes we will assist with,
• what information we’ll need from you,
• a fixed fee (typically from £120 + VAT for straightforward cases, more for complex households or several applications at once).

There is no obligation until you approve this proposal.

Step 3 – Information gathering and benefit mapping

We gather:

• identification and basic personal details,
• proof of income (payslips, bank statements, self-employment records),
• details of rent and council tax,
• information about children and childcare costs,
• any existing benefit letters.

We then create a benefit map of your household – a simple diagram of:

• what you already receive,
• what you can potentially claim,
• how the different strands interact.

Step 4 – Preparing and submitting applications

Working with you (by phone, video or screen-share) we:

• complete Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Support forms,
• check every page for consistency and completeness,
• upload or prepare evidence in the format each organisation accepts.

You always remain the claimant – applications are made in your name. Our job is to make sure they are as clear, accurate and professional as possible.

Step 5 – Follow-up and clarification

After submission, we:

• help you respond to messages from the DWP, HMRC or your council,
• clarify any questions about your income or household,
• explain award letters and statements so you understand the outcome.

If there are delays or confusing messages, we help you interpret them and decide on next steps.

Step 6 – Optional ongoing support

If you choose ongoing support, we:

• review changes in your work, business or family life,
• help you report changes to avoid overpayments,
• keep your benefit picture aligned with your tax and accounts.

Case Studies – How We Help in Real Life

Case Study 1 – Couple moving from Tax Credits to Universal Credit

Clients: Adam and Rebecca, two children, both working part-time.

Problem: They were on Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. After a change of circumstances they were told they needed to claim Universal Credit instead. They were worried about losing money and confused about how Child Benefit and Council Tax Support would fit into the new system.

What we did:

• Reviewed their income, rent and council tax.
• Used official calculators and our own analysis to estimate how Universal Credit would replace Tax Credits.
• Helped them make a joint Universal Credit claim and record all income correctly.
• Checked their Child Benefit position and confirmed it should continue as before.
• Assisted with a Council Tax Support application to the local council based on the new Universal Credit claim.

Result:
The transition to Universal Credit went smoothly, with minimal delay. They understood their new monthly statement, their Child Benefit remained unaffected, and their council tax bill reflected the correct reduction.

Case Study 2 – Self-employed parent with fluctuating income

Client: Maria, single parent, self-employed hairdresser renting a chair in a salon.

Problem: Maria’s income varied monthly. She struggled to report self-employed earnings to Universal Credit, wasn’t sure she was receiving the right amount of Child Benefit, and had fallen behind on council tax because she didn’t know she could get support.

What we did:

• Reconstructed six months of business income and expenses from bank statements and appointment records.
• Set up a simple monthly record sheet for Universal Credit reporting.
• Checked her Child Benefit claim – it was in place but she hadn’t updated HMRC after her second child was born, so she was missing out.
• Helped her claim Council Tax Support from her local council, using figures consistent with her Universal Credit and business records.

Result:
Maria’s Universal Credit became more stable and predictable, she received backdated Child Benefit for her second child, and her council tax bill was reduced significantly going forward.

Case Study 3 – Family with one high earner and one stay-at-home parent

Clients: Daniel (higher-paid employee), Emma (at home with baby).

Problem: They were unsure whether to claim Child Benefit because Daniel’s income was above the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold. They had also never applied for Council Tax Support and had questions about whether Universal Credit would be relevant for them now or in future.

What we did:

• Explained the High Income Child Benefit Charge and how it is recovered through Self Assessment.
• Discussed the advantages of still claiming Child Benefit (for example, National Insurance credits for State Pension for Emma).
• Helped them claim Child Benefit and set up Self Assessment for Daniel so he could deal with any charge compliantly.
• Reviewed their income against Universal Credit rules and confirmed they were currently above the level for UC but explained how to check again if their situation changed.
• Confirmed that Council Tax Support was unlikely at their income level, but showed them how to check their local scheme in future.

Result:
They made an informed decision that suited their family: Child Benefit was claimed in Emma’s name, and Daniel was prepared to handle the tax charge. They felt confident that their position was correct and compliant.

Case Study 4 – New arrival to the UK with children

Client: Olena, recently moved to the UK with her two children, working part-time while learning English.

Problem: She did not understand the difference between Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Support. She was worried that filling a form incorrectly might affect her immigration status or create debts.

What we did:

• Carefully explained each benefit and its relationship to immigration rules, staying within our competence and suggesting specialist immigration advice where needed.
• Helped her claim Child Benefit for the children where eligible.
• Assisted with a Universal Credit application, including translating questions into plain, simple English.
• Supported her in applying for Council Tax Support once Universal Credit was in place.

Result:
Olena felt safe and informed. Her household income became more stable, and her council tax and rent contributions were based on accurate assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions – Universal Credit, Child Benefit & Council Tax Support

Can you guarantee that my application will be successful?

No. The final decisions are made by the DWP (for Universal Credit), HMRC (for Child Benefit) and your local council (for Council Tax Support). We cannot influence their decision, but we can greatly improve the quality, clarity and consistency of your application and evidence, giving you the best possible chance of a correct outcome.

Are you authorised to give benefits advice?

We are accountants and advisers. We specialise in income, records and how they interact with benefits systems. We do not replace regulated welfare rights or immigration advice. For complex legal or appeal matters, we may suggest you also speak with Citizens Advice, a welfare rights organisation or a solicitor, while we continue to support you with the financial and documentation side.

Can you submit online forms and journals on my behalf?

No. Your Universal Credit, Child Benefit and council accounts are personal and secure. You must always be the one who signs in and presses “submit”.

However, we can:

• sit with you (in person or by screen-share) while you complete the forms,
• tell you exactly where to enter each figure,
• help you draft written explanations to copy into your journal or application.

You stay in control; we guide you step by step.

What information do you need from me?

Typically we ask for:

• ID and basic personal details;
• details of everyone in your household and their relationship to you;
• payslips or proof of earnings;
• self-employment records or company accounts where relevant;
• tenancy agreement or mortgage details;
• council tax bill;
• any existing benefit letters.

We only ask for what we actually need, and all information is treated confidentially.

Can you help if my situation is a bit unusual?

Yes. Many households do not fit neatly into standard boxes. We regularly help people with:

• shared care of children,
• irregular or seasonal income,
• living with extended family,
• caring responsibilities,
• partial work abroad.

Our job is to understand your real life and then translate it into forms and evidence that the system can process.

Do you work only with people on very low incomes?

No. Some clients are clearly entitled to support. Others are near the edge and simply want to know where they stand, for example:

• higher earners concerned about Child Benefit charges;
• families unsure if Universal Credit is still relevant after a promotion or business growth;
• households worried about council tax arrears and looking for options.

We can help in all these situations by bringing together benefits, tax and real-world budgets.

How much does your service cost?

Fees depend on the complexity of your situation and how many applications or changes we handle. As a guide:

• Simple single-benefit support (e.g. Child Benefit or basic Council Tax Support) – from £120 + VAT.
• Universal Credit plus at least one other benefit, with income review – higher fixed fees, agreed in advance.

We always provide a clear, written quote before we start, so you can decide without pressure.

What if I already have a social worker, support worker or adviser?

That’s absolutely fine. Many clients work with us alongside:

• social workers,
• housing officers,
• welfare rights advisers,
• mortgage or debt advisers.

We focus on the numbers, records and forms, and we’re happy to coordinate with other professionals if you wish.

Client Testimonials

“They put everything into one clear picture.” – Sophie & Matt, parents of three

We were getting Universal Credit, Child Benefit and help with council tax, but had no idea how it all fitted together. Audit Consulting Group went through our income and bills, checked our claims and explained what each benefit was for. For the first time we understood our own money and what to expect each month.

“I stopped feeling scared of official letters.” – Karim, self-employed taxi driver

Every brown envelope made my heart race. ACG helped me reorganise my Universal Credit and council tax applications so they matched my real earnings. Now when letters arrive, I actually understand what they are saying – and if I’m unsure, I know I can ask for help.

“Professional, kind and very patient.” – Louise, single mum, part-time worker

I was completely overwhelmed by the benefit system. The team at Audit Consulting Group never made me feel stupid. They explained Universal Credit, Child Benefit and council tax in small steps, helped fill in the forms and checked my payslips and bank statements. I finally feel like my finances are under control.

Ready to Get Professional Help with Your Benefit Applications?

If you’re confused by Universal Credit, Child Benefit or Council Tax Support, worried about making mistakes, or just too busy to decode it all alone, we’re here to help.

Let Audit Consulting Group turn complex forms and letters into a clear, manageable plan – so you can focus on your family, your work and your life.

+44 7386 212550
info@auditconsultinggroup.co.uk

Audit Consulting Group – professional, friendly support with Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Support applications for people and families across the UK.