Universal Credit Who can claim it?
Universal Credit is a new benefit for people who are on a low income or out of work. It is designed to make it easier for people to stay in work, and helps ensure that you are better off in work than on benefits.
Universal Credit – who can claim it
Do I qualify and how do I claim? To claim you must: 4 Live at your usual address in an area where Universal Credit is paid. 4 Not be homeless, in supported or temporary accommodation, or be a homeowner. 4 Be a British citizen with a National Insurance number. 4 Be aged between 18 years and 60 years and six months. 4 Be fit for work. 4 Not be pregnant or have given birth within the last 15 weeks. 4 Not be in education or on a training course of any kind. 4 Have at least one suitable account that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can pay the money into. 4 Have lived in the UK for the last two years, and not have been abroad for more than four weeks continuously during that time. 4 Not expect to get individual take home pay of more than £338 in the next month. 4 Not expect to get joint take home pay of more than £541 in the next month. 4 Not expect to get any earnings from self-employment in the next month.
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Universal Credit – who can claim it
Universal Credit – who can claim it
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How will Universal Credit be paid? In most cases it will be a single monthly payment which is paid in arrears. Claimants will be responsible for paying rent themselves. Rent payments may be made directly to us.
Bedroom Tax If your property is subject to the bedroom tax, the amount will be deducted from the Universal Credit payment. It is 14% for one spare bedroom and 25% for two or more spare bedrooms.
When will you get paid? Universal Credit is assessed monthly and paid monthly in arrears. You should receive your first payment about six weeks after you submit your claim. You can request advance payments.
Supporting information for your claim You will need to provide your tenancy agreements and a copy of your rent statement.
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Universal Credit – who can claim it
Budgeting Support Personal budgeting support is available for anyone claiming Universal Credit. Please ask if you think you need help.
How to make a claim You are expected to claim Universal Credit online. If you need help to do this, contact your local jobcentre or council who will tell you where help is available. If you need help while you are completing your form, there is a helpline. Call 0345 600 0723 on Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Talk to us about a credit union account 4 No risk of overdraft charges. 4 Pay in your Universal Credit, benefits or wages. 4 Pay bills and access your money – no minimum withdrawals. 4 Savings account and affordable loans. 4 Christmas Club. 4 Cash back as you spend. For more information about opening a credit union account , you can speak to us, alternatively contact Pendle Community Credit Union on: Tel: 01282 691333 Email: enquiries@pccu.co.uk Website: www.pccu.co.uk
Universal Credit – who can claim it
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Would you like us to contact you about Universal Credit or opening a Credit Union account? Please complete the form below and hand to a member of Accent staff. Name: Address: Tel: Email:
Help and advice • Welfare Rights 0845 053 0013 • Citizen’s Advice for Leyland /Chorley (mobile) 0300 330 0650 (landline) 0344 245 1294 Contact us on 0345 678 0590 or email burnley@accentgroup.org or www.facebook.com/accentbrn for more information.
Any resident signing up for a Credit Union Account between now and 30 November 2015 will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 prizes or one of five Christmas hampers.
Anytime, anywhere access to your online account
https://login.accentgroup.org We welcome your views on how we’re doing so please get in touch… 0345 678 0590 burnley@accentgroup.org @accentbrn /accentbrn
2nd Floor, Stephen House, Bethesda Street, Burnley, BB11 1PR