What is Universal Credit and how can you claim it?

Before new grant payments are made, the self-employed will be able to access other available government support such as universal credit

At today’s daily coronavirus briefing, Rishi Sunak, announced that millions of people across the UK could benefit from the new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, with those eligible receiving a cash grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profit over the last three years.

This covers 95% of people who receive the majority of their income from self-employment.

Before grant payments are made, the self-employed will still be able to access other available government support for those affected by coronavirus including more generous universal credit and business continuity loans where they have a business bank account

How to apply for universal credit

You need to apply for Universal Credit online and would need to apply as a couple if you and your partner are living together, you might also need to phone the Universal Credit helpline to book an interview with a work coach and you’ll be informed if you need to do this after you apply.

To apply online, you need to go on the government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit

What you need to apply

You’ll need: 

• Your bank, building society or credit union account details (call the Universal Credit helpline if you do not have one)
• An email address
• Information about your housing, for example how much rent you pay
• Details of your income, for example payslips
• Details of savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out
• Details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs
• If you do not provide the right information when you apply it might affect when you get paid or how much you get.
• You also have to verify your identity online.
• You’ll need some proof of identity for this, for example your: driving licence passport debit or credit card

How often you’re paid can affect your Universal Credit

If you get paid once a month on the same date and nothing changes in your earnings, then your Universal Credit amount should stay the same. 

Universal Credit can be affected if you receive more than one set of wages during some assessment periods.

 This could happen if: you’re paid weekly, every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks, your monthly payment date changes, for example you get paid on the last working day of each month 

This means your earnings might be too high for Universal Credit. 

You’ll be told if they are and whether you’ll need to reapply to continue to get Universal Credit

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