Universal Credit: Millions of Britons now eligible for DWP payment – could you get £7,300? | Personal Finance | Finance
The number of people eligible for the benefit has skyrocketed thanks to a rule change in the Autumn Budget, according to data from the New Economics Foundation. Despite this many are thought to be missing out because they aren’t aware.
As the cost of living crisis unfolds many households are struggling to make ends meet as their finances are being squeezed more than ever.
With inflation at a 30 year high, the rising cost of living and soaring energy bills are crippling low income families who could be owed a Universal Credit top up from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
James Andrews, Senior Personal Finance Editor at money.co.uk, said people could now qualify even though they may not have before the Autumn Budget.
He said: “In November, Rishi Sunak slashed the Universal Credit taper rate, the mechanism that sees your benefits withdrawn as your earnings rise.”
READ MORE: Pensions: Britons lose £342million to HMRC – ways to avoid tax bill
Under the new rules, a single parent with two children and rental bills of £750, could earn up to £52,000 a year and still qualify, compared to £44,500 previously.
For anyone who isn’t sure, Mr Andrews suggested that they first of all check online.
“Using sites like EntitledTo and Turn2Us, you can find out your benefit entitlement in less than 10 minutes – all you need to do is answer a series of simple questions about your living and work situations.
“If you are eligible, then monthly payments will vary between £344 and £596.58, depending on your circumstances.”
Speaking to Express.co.uk, the Commission’s secretary Michael Orton said the current system needs shaking up.
He explained: “We saw during Covid that things aren’t working. You’ve got fuel poverty and food poverty on the rise.
“There is a sense of things just not being right.
“There’s a long history of just not listening to people who’ve actually claimed benefits.”
