CHANGES to Universal Credit could affect your payments in April, so it’s worth checking how your budget will change.
From the date you’re paid, to how much you get – here we explain what’s happening and when.
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Universal Credit claimants will see more money in their pocket thanks to an annual rise in benefit rates.
Meanwhile, the Easter bank holiday which is an extra long weekend brings with it a change to payment dates.
Plus there’s a change to rules that could see payments made quicker for those really in need, and you could get a share of a £500m if you’re really struggling.
It comes as bills rise for millions of households, so checking for extra support you’re entitled to could help you get by.
Fast-tracked benefits
From today, anyone with a terminal illness will get faster access to the benefits they need.
This includes Universal Credit and other benefits, like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Claims will be fast-tracked for anyone with less than 12 months to live – up from the previous six months, which has been branded “cruel” by charities.
Annual benefit rise
Universal Credit is one of several benefits which are increasing 3.1% from April 11.
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But the exact date you start getting the higher rates will depend on when you get your monthly payments.
Benefits generally increase each year and is known as the annual uprating.
This is so that payments can keep with the cost of things like food, clothes and fuel which rise over time, called inflation.
But inflation has hit a 30-year high of 5.5% since the 3.1% rise was announced last year, and could rocket further to as much as 8%.
That means in real terms you could feel worse off, as more of your cash is going on essentials like bills and food.
How much more you get from April onwards depends on if you get extra amounts for having kids or for housing, plus your age and if you have a partner.
The standard allowance will increase by around £10 a month – or more than £15 extra if you’re part of a couple, for example.
You can check out the exact amounts and how much more you’ll get in our guide.
You can use a benefits calculator to check if you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to which could boost your payments.
You can check by using an online benefits calculator, which are offered by charities such as Turn2Us and EntitledTo.
Bank holiday payment dates
There’s a long Bank Holiday weekend for Easter coming up in April – and that means benefit payment dates can change.
This year Good Friday is on April 15 and Easter Monday on April 18.
So if your payment is due on any of the dates between April 15 and April 18, you should expect to be paid the Thursday before, on April 14.
This will be adjusted automatically, so there’s no need to do anything.
If your payment falls outside of these dates, you shouldn’t expect any changes at all.
The amount you get won’t change, unless you’ve also had a change of circumstances at the same time.
There are also further bank holidays coming up that could affect payment dates for benefits – check out the full list here.
A new £500m pot of cash is being made available for anyone struggling with bills, including if you’re on Universal Credit.
The government first launched the Household Support Fund last winter and has now extended the scheme.
Local councils are dishing out the cash and what you can get and how much it’s worth varies.
For instance, thousands of families were able to claim up to £275 free supermarket vouchers for food and essentials including from Tesco and Asda, in North Yorkshire.
And in Birmingham residents were able to get up to £200 cash, and residents of West Northamptonshire were offered help with their energy bills worth up to £120.
The amount you can get will depend on where you are, and your circumstances.
You can find your local council using this tool and searching you postcode, to see what you can get where you are.
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