Some people won’t receive a 1.7% benefits increase next month, it has been warned
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned some people won’t receive a benefits hike in the April payment – despite an inflationary increase from the benefits department for claimants this year.
Some people won’t receive a 1.7% benefits increase next month, it has been warned. People on Universal Credit may have to wait until their May payments to see the increase.
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, meaning the amount you receive is based on your circumstances in the previous month, and you will usually receive your first payment around 5 weeks after you claim.
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Universal Credit is calculated based on your circumstances each month, which are called “assessment periods”. The DWP says you will usually get your Universal Credit payment 7 days after each monthly assessment period ends.
It means if your assessment is April 24 until May 24, your next payment will be due on May 31. Citizens Advice explained: “You might be able to get extra help if you’re struggling with money and you’re on Universal Credit or you’ve recently applied for it.
“You’ll usually get your first Universal Credit payment 5 weeks after you apply. You can ask to get your first payment sooner if you’re worried you won’t have enough money to live on – this is called an ‘advance payment’.
“The advance payment is a loan – the repayments get taken off your Universal Credit payments automatically until you’ve paid it back.” You can ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently to help you manage your money – these are called ‘alternative payment arrangements’.
You might be able to get your housing costs paid straight to your landlord instead of being part of your Universal Credit payment, a Universal Credit payment twice a month instead of once a month or separate Universal Credit payments from your partner.
If you’re applying for Universal Credit or you’re about to apply, you should ask for the arrangement you want at your interview. If you’re already getting Universal Credit, you should call the Universal Credit helpline.
