- Universal Credit is a new benefits system that is being gradually rolled out across the UK.
- It replaces six existing benefits with a single monthly payment.
- The full rollout of Universal Credit will be complete by 2022.
Why does Universal Credit go in?
Universal Credit is designed to replace six existing benefits, so it goes in to simplify the system and make it more efficient. It is also intended to incentivize work, by providing a single payment that gradually reduces as people earn more income.
How Universal Credit work and what You need to know
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a new benefit that is being introduced in the UK. It will replace six existing benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit. It is designed to help people who are unemployed, on a low income, or unable to work.
The most asked Universal Credit questions
FAQs
Your first Universal Credit payment should arrive within 6 weeks of applying.
The time of day that your Universal Credit goes in depends on the date that your claim is started. If you make a new claim, your first payment will be made around 5 or 6 weeks after the date of your claim.
The dates you get paid after your first Universal Credit payment depend on how you are paid. If you are paid monthly, you will be paid on the same date each month. If you are paid weekly, you will be paid every four weeks.
If you live with a partner, your Universal Credit payments will be combined into one joint payment.
Universal Credit is paid monthly, in arrears.
The Universal Credit account is an online account that you use to manage your benefits. You can use it to check your benefit payments, report changes in your circumstances, and find out more about how Universal Credit works.
The Universal Credit contact numbers are:
Telephone: 0800 328 9344
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Welsh language telephone: 0800 328 1744
If your Universal Credit payments are cut, you should first speak to your local Jobcentre Plus about your situation. They may be able to help you get your payments back on track. You can also find out more about Universal Credit and how it works on the government’s website.
If you are struggling to make your monthly Universal Credit payments, you can speak to your work coach about increasing your payments. You can also ask for an advance payment if you are in urgent need of money.
The eligibility for Universal Credit is based on a number of factors, including income and assets. You must be 18 or over, and you must be in the UK. You must also be either working or looking for work.