A CITIZEN’S ADVICE
How will I cope with my bills? A local expert from Citizen’s Advice answers a question from the public. This Month: How to cope with the upcoming £20 cut in Universal Credit.
Q: “I keep reading that Universal Credit is going to be cut. I struggle to get by as it is and I’m really worried that if I lose £20 a week, I’ll get into serious debt. I’m already behind on some of my bills. What can I do to avoid things getting worse?” A: Firstly, depending on your situation, you might be able to ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently - these are called ‘alternative payment arrangements’. This might be an option if you’re in debt or rent arrears, among other things. To apply for an alternative payment arrangement, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 Behind on the bills If you’re behind on some of your bills, the first step is to make a list of how much you owe and add up how much you need to pay each month. You now need to prioritise your debts. We have advice on our website to help you do this. Some bills can cause you more problems than others: Rent or mortgage arrears, council tax and energy bills are your priority debts - there can be
70
serious consequences if you to get advice from a debt adviser don’t pay them. Get in touch first - they’ll check all your debts with the organisations you owe to see if they’re covered by the money to (these are known as scheme. your creditors). They might be Finally, it’s always a good idea to able to help “Rent or mortgage have a budget - take a by letting you look at the budgeting arrears, council tax tool on our website pay smaller and energy bills are and make sure you’re amounts or taking a your priority debts - getting all the income break from there can be serious you’re entitled to. payments. consequences if you Ask for help. Many organisations Everyone’s don’t pay” have put in circumstance is place protections for people different, particularly when it who’ve struggled to pay their comes to managing personal bills during the pandemic. finances. If you need more The government-backed specific support or don’t feel able Breathing Space scheme could to manage your situation alone, also give you extra time. If contact your local Citizens Advice you’re eligible, you could get 60 or call our debt helpline: 0800 days where your creditors can’t 240 4420. Other organisations contact you, take action to make providing free debt advice you pay, or add interest and include Stepchange and National charges to your debt. You’ll need Debtline.” Always free - subscribe here
