How do you log in to Universal Credit?
Universal Credit claimants can see their online account by logging in via the gov.uk website.
You’ll need your username and password – which are the same ones you had to set up when you first applied for benefits.
If you have forgotten your login details, you can put in a request to reset your username or password by entering your email address.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can also sign in via gov.uk verify.
In a worse case scenario, you can always try calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344).
You can also get in contact via NGT text relay on 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
There’s a Welsh language helpline available on 0800 328 1744 too.
What council tax support is there for single people
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn’t have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Child Benefit limits raised
The Government is upping the threshold from which parents have to start paying back Child Benefit from £50,000 to £60,000.
Meanwhile, the upper threshold from which parents have to pay back all of their Child Benefit is rising from £60,000 to £80,000.
It means for those where one partner is earning between £50,000 and £60,000, you will be able to receive more Child Benefit.
Meanwhile, those earning £60,000 to £80,000 will now receive some Child Benefit whereas currently they don’t.
Laura added: “The catch is that the benefit is based on both parents’ income – meaning if either of you earns more than the thresholds you’ll lose entitlement to the benefit.
“Families also need to claim the Child Benefit, they won’t automatically receive it.”
Marriage allowance – explained
Married couples on a low income could save £252 a year with the marriage allowance scheme.
It allows one partner to share 10% of their £12,570 tax-free personal allowance with the other to reduce their tax bill.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) believe up to two million couples are missing out on the cash help.
