Five facts you might not know about Universal Credit
Universal Credit provides personalised support to help you prepare for and start work, including a dedicated work coach to give you expert advice. Work coach Andy explains five things you may not know about Universal Credit.
1. No one needs to wait for their first payment if they can’t manage
Universal Credit is designed to mirror the way most people in work are paid, which is monthly. We know some people aren’t used to managing their money this way, but don’t worry – we can provide budgeting support to help those who need it.
If you really can’t manage until your first payment, let us know, because you could get an advance payment up to the full amount of your first payment and then pay it back gradually from your future payments for up to a year.
2. UC makes it easier to start work
Universal Credit is linked to the amount you earn, not the number of hours you work like the old system, which means you can now work more than 16 hours and still claim. Your Universal Credit payment will reduce gradually as your earnings increase.
Payments adjust automatically when you’re working, so if your job ends or wages go down, your payments will increase. This helps open up many more part-time or temporary job opportunities.
3. Working parents can get help with up to 85% of childcare costs if they’re on Universal Credit
Worrying about childcare costs can create a real barrier for people looking for work. The good news is, if you’re a working parent on Universal Credit you can claim back up to 85 per cent of your childcare costs, as long as the childcare provider is registered or approved, no matter how many hours you work. If you’ve accepted a job offer you can also claim for childcare costs for the month before you start work.
4. What you’ll need to make a claim
In order to make your claim go smoothly, it’s a good idea to make sure you have up to date information with you before you start. You’ll need an email address, home address, details about the people you live with, your National Insurance number and proof of nationality. You’re also going to need details of any earnings, savings or income you and your partner have, and any other benefits you receive. Make sure you have the details of the bank account you want your payments to go into, and remember, this will need to be a current account and should be in your name.
5. You can access all of your claim information online
The good news is that you now have more control over your Universal Credit claim as you can report any changes in your circumstances as they happen using your online account. The account also provides faster and more regular access to your dedicated work coach and case manager rather than having to always come into the Jobcentre. There is also help available for people who need extra support with making a claim.
To find out more about Universal Credit search online for ‘Understanding Universal Credit’.