Your Universal Credit is changing.
Don’t wait until it’s gone; start planning now.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, a Universal Credit (UC) temporary uplift of £20 per week was brought in by the Government. This uplift increased the standard allowance of Universal Credit by £86.67 every month.
If you’re currently claiming UC, you should be aware that this amount is temporary and was brought in as extra support for claimants during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The additional amount had been due to stop at the end of March 2021, however, the Government has extended this until now. After September 2021, the amount of UC you receive will be reduced by £86.67 per month.
How much will UC reduce by?
- Single and under 25:
Current allowance – £344.00
Reduced allowance – £257.33
- Single and 25 or over:
Current allowance – £411.51
Reduced allowance – £324.84
- In a couple and both under 25:
Current allowance – £490.60 per couple
Reduced allowance – £403.93 per couple
- In a couple and either of you is 25 or over:
Current allowance – £596.58 per couple
Reduced allowance – £509.91 per couple
You may not know that this uplift is temporary. If you are someone who has only claimed UC for the first time since April 2020, you may not even know that the money you receive contains the temporary increase.
We can help you.
We don’t want to scare or worry anyone, but this is something that will impact everyone who is claiming UC. We are here to help you prepare. Please check your Universal Credit payment statements as you will see that the amount you are receiving is temporary.
At CCHA, we can help you prepare for this change. Our Money Advice Officers can chat with you about your finances and offer a range of advice; from checking if you claim all the benefits you are entitled to (including disability benefits); to looking at your bills to help you reduce the amount you are spending.
You can contact them on 0796 6625 678, email money@ccha.org.uk, or get in touch here.