Universal Credit is a Government Welfare Scheme introduced to claim benefits and encourage people to work for them. To claim this benefit, you can apply online or by phone. For this, you must submit some documents like Income, Expenses and circumstances to receive monthly payments. It has 6 monthly benefits in a single Monthly payment. Let’s Discuss∴
→ Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
→ Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
→ Child Tax Credit.
→ Housing Benefit.
→ Income Support.
→ Working Tax Credit.
How Does Universal Credit Work?
It works according to the circumstances of the people’s daily expenses, income, age factors, and whether every person is single, married, or has a child. Universal Credit aims to provide information about your income and daily expenses so that your Claim has been assessed and your monthly payment has been made.
What are the Features of Universal Credit?
Single Payment Method → You will get payment payments every month from the date of Claim, but if you pay to make the payment twice a month, you also request.
Claim Online Facility → To get a quick claim, you can register & apply online to the official GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit] Website.
Conditional Benefits → There are some conditions you need to fulfil, which are explained later in the article, but if you do not meet these conditions, your benefits may reduced or can be stopped where some conditions are higher income or Multiple Sources of Income.
Help in House Costs → You will benefit from housing costs such as Rent or Mortgage Interest.
Child Care Cost → You will get extra benefits if you have a child or they are minors, or you are working or looking for Work.
How Much Universal Credit Can We Get?
The amount of Credit you may receive will depend on your Age, whether Employed or Unemployed, Single or Couple, whether you are having Children or any other housing Situation
Single or Under 25 Age → Get Up to £311.88/Monthly.
Single & Over 25 → Get Up to £393.45/Monthly.
Couple & Under 25 → Get up to £489.23/monthly (For both).
Couple & Under 25 → Get up to £489.23/monthly (For both).
Couple & Over 25 → Get up to £617.60/monthly (For both).
With Children → Additional amounts will be paid for each child you have.
You Must Inform the DWP if anything changes in Circumstances like Job, Unemployment, Retirement, Study, & More. DWP Calculates your current monthly income & Pays you according to your every month.
What Universal Credit Can Get if You Have a Child?
You can get the extra amount for your child if they live with you. You will get additional money until they complete their 16th Birthday & 19th Birthday. After this, Your children will be eligible for education & Training. See Below:
For 1 st Child → £333.33 (born before 6 April 2017) & £287.92 (born on or after 6 April 2017)
For 2nd Child or More → £287.92 per child
What are the Eligibility of Universal Credit:
You have to fulfil the eligibility to meet the following criteria listed below∴
→ You must be living in the UK or a British citizen and have a valid visa permission or a right to live in the UK.
→ It must be ‘Out of Work.’
→ Your Age Should be 18+ or More.
→ You must be working, including being self-employed or part-time workers.
→ You Should be ‘Under Pension’ Age.
→ Your income must not exceed £16000 or Less Savings & Investments.
→ You are not in full-time education or Training.
→ Your Rent.
→ Your household size.
→ Any children you have.
→ Unable to work because of health conditions.
→ Need help paying the Expenses or Bills.
→ Caregivers.
→ Housing Costs.
Other Exceptional Conditions to get Universal Credit:
For some reason, you’ve lost your job and have no other source of income. Read Below∴
→ Your income has suddenly dropped, but you’re still working and facing the survival challenge.
→ If you have any disability or illness that stops you from working, which is affecting your previous income.
→ If you have childcare costs, expenses.
→ If you’re caring for someone.
How to Claim Online for Universal Credit:
First, create an account & apply for a claim within 28 days of making the account. Call the Helpline (0800 328 5644) if you can’t apply online. Read Below∴
Check eligibility → Confirm whether you are qualified for the Claim or Not. If Not, then Re-apply.
Attend an Interview → Once you submit your Application, you will contacted for the Interview within ten days with the JobCentre plus.
Advance Apply → If you are facing difficulty surviving as you have paid the expenses. However, you can apply for advance payment if payment has not yet been received.
Payment Receive → Once you submit your Claim, payment will be credited to your account within five weeks.
Account Updates → Always update your account if any circumstances change and inform the department that payment may not stopped or deducted due to some reason.
What are the Thing Required to Apply for Universal Credit:
To apply for Universal Credit, you need to provide the following documents as shown below∴
- Identification Proof → Proof of Your Government identity, such as a passport, driving license, Bank Details, or Voter ID.
- Contact details → Your Permanent E-mail Address, Telephone number, and Address.
- Bank account Details → Your bank Account & Society Building or Credit Union Account details.
- Income → Complete Details of your earnings, such as payslips, Bank statements, etc.
- Housing → Complete details of your housing, such as Rent or Mortgage payments and Other Service charges.
- Savings & Investments Details → Share all your savings or other investments, like shares or property, FD or more.
- Childcare → Share how much you pay for childcare if you want help with childcare costs.
- Other benefits → Details of other benefits you are getting presently.
- Health Details → Mention the reason for any disability or health condition that affects your Work.
- Education & Training → Mention your complete details of Education or Training.
- Children Details → Share the complete details of the children’s Age, Education or, if any, disability.
- National Insurance number → If you have any insurance, share the number.
How to Apply Online for Universal Credit:
You must follow the instructions below once you meet the abovementioned criteria. Read Below∴
→ Presently, You have to Create an account by visiting the official Government Website → [ https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/start ] where you have to enter your details like Username, Strong Password & Questions & Answers for security purposes.
→ After this, Mention your complete details like income, Rent, household, etc., then click on the ‘Apply’ Button.
Important Note → Those facing issues applying online can apply offline by visiting the nearby Jobcentre Plus and submitting their Application. After this, You can log in at [ https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/sign-in] and Check their application Status.
→ Later, Your Interview will scheduled with Jobcentre Plus within ten working days.
Important Note → Mention the changes in the given circumstance to receive Payment payment.
When & How you will Get paid Universal Credit:
Once you submit all the documents then, you will get the payment after 5 weeks of your Claim & twice a month. Let’s Discuss how you will make the repayment payment∴
Payment Method:
→ You will always make repayment payments within the bank account, Building Society account, or credit union account. Other fees are to be made to households or landlords.
Monthy-Wise Payments:
→ After the 1ST Claim, You will receive a monthly payment, and you can change your payment methods by contacting the Union Credit Department.
Splitting Payments:
→If you have a joint claim, you can also request to split your payments.
Assessment Period
Union Credits are assessed monthly. Your assessment period will begin on the date of the Claim.
Example → Suppose Your Claim is on the 10th of the month. Then, Your first assessment period Starts on the 10th to the 9th. You will receive the payment after 5 weeks, which means the 17th of the month, and you will receive the second payment after 2 weeks from the payment, which means the 1st of the month. If your payment date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday arises.
Housing Payment:
The government Helps low-income people pay their housing costs, known as the housing element, alongside your monthly standard allowance∴
What are the Eligibility Criteria:
You can claim for housing payment if you meet the following conditions below:
→ You payment only if you pay Rent to the landlord, Housing Association, or (NIHE).
→You will also be eligible if you are Paying interest on your mortgage.
→ Once qualified, your Rent will be paid directly to your landlord.
How your Universal Credit Can Affect:
There are some conditions where your Universal Credit can be affected. Read Below∴
Savings or Investments:
Suppose you earn from savings, investments, or assets called ‘Capital’ income. In this case, Your earnings must be between £6,001 and £16,000 pounds; otherwise, your Universal Credit will reduced to £4.35/month for every £250 or above £6,000. If your Capital Income is more than £16,000/month, then you will disqualified from receiving Universal Credit.
Exceptions on Assets:
→ In Some Cases, Assets like Trading Business, Your home, & Occupational or Personal Pensions will not be counted.
Unearned Income:
→ Your Other Income Sources, like Student income, may also affect your Credit.
Payment Deductions:
→ You will get low payments if you have any advances, hardship payments, payment penalties, debts from third parties, or other benefit overpayments.
Other Benefits:
→ Suppose you are getting benefits like Armed Forces or State Pensions, then your Universal Credit may be reduced.
Sanctions:
→ Suppose you are only able to fulfil your commitments for a valid reason. Your Credit will be sanctioned, which will result in payment deductions.
How to Get the Advance Payment:
Suppose you are about to receive your payment, but for some reason, you have to pay your expenses immediately. Then, you can apply for advance payment. Read Below∴
How to Apply online:
To apply online, use your old account or visit the Jobcentre Plus Work Coach. You have mentioned a valid reason for the urgency of money. Once your request is verified, you will receive the advance payment in your bank account.
Repayment: You must remember the timeline to pay your advance payment within 24 months starting from Payments payment, which will be converted into an EMI Option monthly-wise.
How to Find Work on Universal Credits:
Universal Credits Department provide Support for flexible working rather than hourly working. Let’s Discuss∴
Commitment:
It must be with your commitment if you are looking for Universal Credit. Also, You have to Discuss with your work coach and update them Regularly.
Finding Work:
You can try the Job Option at JobapplyNI.com. Your Work Coach may assist you in creating a CV or Interviewing.
Qualification Support:
Suppose you are a qualified person or outside of the UK; in this case, a free service can help you match UK standards.
Careers Service:
The department will support you in Job Searching, Returning to Work, & Financial Support.
Redundancy Help:
Suppose you have already made a mistake. In this case, you can find support or benefit information on the redundant website or call the local Jobs or Benefits office.
Contact Universal Credits Helpline:
- For General Inquiries → 0800 328 5644
- For Welsh Language Support → 0800 328 1744
- For Relay UK (for hearing or speech difficulties) → 18001 then 0800 328 5644
- For British Sign Language (BSL) → A video relay is available on the computer; check for mobile/tablet usage.
- For Textphone → 0800 328 1344
- Working Hours → Monday – Friday, 8 am to 6 pm [Except Public Holiday]