Universal Credit: Expert discusses benefits of claiming
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Not only will this affect people on Universal Credit, but it will also apply to Britons who receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP ) and Pension Credit. Here are all the state benefit payment dates for April.
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Millions of Britons depend on money from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP ) to help them get by on a day-to-day basis.
While these are usually paid at the same time every month, payment dates can change when it comes to bank holidays.
With Easter just a few weeks away that also means people's pay will be affected by bank holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
To help Britons prepare, the DWP has confirmed exactly when they can expect to receive all benefits including Universal Credit, PIP and Pension Credit.
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Universal Credit payment dates are changing (Image: Getty)
When will I receive Universal Credit?
People who usually get paid their Universal Credit on Friday, April 15 will receive their money a day early on Thursday April 14. This applies to everyone who receives any benefits on this day.
Anyone who would usually receive Universal Credit (or any state benefits) on Monday April 18 will receive it three days early on Thursday April 14.
This applies to all benefits including Universal Credit, PIP, Pension Credit and working tax and child credits.
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This date change also applies to anyone who receives attendance allowance, the state pension and carer's allowance.
In addition, anyone who relies on jobseeker’s allowance, disability living allowance or employment and support allowance will be paid early if their usual payment date falls on a bank holiday.
Anyone who isn't working, or who receives a low income, can apply for Universal Credit as long as they have less than £16,000 in savings.
More than two million people who claim Universal Credit are in work but rely on this money to top up a low income.
Who qualifies for free prescriptions? (Image: Express)
People can also apply for a Universal Credit advance or loan which could help them make ends meet until their payments come through.
Claimants can borrow between £100 and £800 which will need to be paid back over 12 months.
A loan on the other hand is for people who are already claiming but need emergency money to cover an unexpected expense.
Applying for Universal Credit also opens the door to 30 other financial benefits.
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What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea
Universal Credit freebies:
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Half price bus
- Discounted rail fares
- Free or discounted gym membership
- Help with new job costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
- Cheap BT phone calls
- Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Free school transport
- Free school meals
- Discounted childcare costs
- £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
- £1,200 free cash as part of the Government's Help to Save scheme
- Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
- Maternity grant up to £1,000
- Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
- Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
- Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
- Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
- Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
- Free health travel costs
- Help with housing costs
- Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement support payments
- Reduced court fees.
- What is Universal Credit and am I eligible for a claim?
- Universal Credit change is coming next month
- How changes to Universal Credit will affect you
- Universal Credit payments set to go up
- Universal Credit payments set to go up for some claimants
- Here's how new DWP's Universal Credit changes could affect you
- Student loans: The right job can help you pay them down
Universal Credit: How to apply for a loan and 30 other benefits have 876 words, post on www.express.co.uk at March 22, 2022. This is cached page on Europe Breaking News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.