UNIVERSAL Credit payments are easy to keep track of thanks to a handy online portal.
You can log in and monitor your payments and there are plenty of other benefits you can get out of the account.
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Here’s everything you need to know
How do you log in to Universal Credit?
You can see your Universal Credit account online by logging in at GOV.UK.
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 request to reset your username or password by submitting your email address.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can also sign in with GOV.UK Verify
If you’re still struggling, 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 are the benefits to having an online account?
The Universal Credit account is called an Online Journal and it can help you apply for an advance on your first payment.
This can help plug the five-week wait between applying and receiving the benefit.
The service also allows you to see your statement, report a change in circumstances, add a note to your to-do list and find out when your next payment will be.
You can also send messages to your work coach and read their responses and you can even keep a record of the things you’ve done to prepare or look for work.
The page will also contain your Claimant Commitment which is what you agree to in order to access the benefit, and you can check this whenever you need.
Keep a record of the things you’ve done to prepare or look for work.
You may be able to use the Universal Credit online service to make a claim or join your partner’s claim.
How to know if you need Universal Credit?
Universal Credit combines a number of benefits into one monthly payment.
It replaces: Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Working Tax Credit.
People who are already receiving these benefits will transferred to Universal Credit between now and 2024.
The payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to you, for example if you:
- Have children
- Have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
- Need help paying your rent
You can use a benefits calculator to see how much you could get.
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you’re experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don’t cover costs, here are your options:
- Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it’s a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
- Alternative Payment Arrangements – If you’re falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you’re part of a couple.
- Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you’re single, £464 if you’re part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You’ll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You’ll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
- Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent.
- Foodbanks – If you’re really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussell Trust website.
Find out more about what Universal Credit is and whether you might be eligible for a claim.
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Universal Credit claimants often struggle with the five-week wait for payments, but you can get an advance.
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