Universal Credit rule change means millions owed £596 a month – check eligibility | Personal Finance | Finance
The number of Britons who are eligible for a Universal Credit top up has soared, yet many are still missing out. More than 1.3 million workers could be losing out on Universal Credit payments of up to £596 a month.
Rishi Sunak cut the Universal Credit taper rate in his Autumn budget resulting in more families becoming eligible for the top up.
The rule change saw the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reduce the taper rate from 63p to 55p meaning people could earn hundreds more and still be eligible for extra financial assistance.
Despite the change to the rules, many are still missing out according to data from the New Economics Foundation.
While £15billion is lost in unclaimed benefits every year, campaigners are urging people to check their benefit entitlement every six months.
READ MORE: DWP update: All the changes coming in April for Universal Credit
Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey said the changes, which were brought in during November, should make two million more British people better off.
Dr Coffey said: “From today, two million people will see their income boosted by £1,000 per year, on average, as we bring in an effective tax cut worth £2.2billion for the lowest paid.”
Despite the changes it’s believed many people are still losing out.
People who have stopped receiving Universal Credit because their earnings have increased or they have gone back to work should reapply.
Britons can check whether they now fall into the bracket for help by inputting their earnings details into an online benefits calculator.
Meanwhile, , the DWP has confirmed exactly when they can expect to receive Universal Credit, PIP and Pension Credit in April.
People who usually get paid their Universal Credit on Friday, April 15 will receive their money a day early on Thursday April 14.
Anyone who would usually receive Universal Credit (or any state benefits) on Monday April 18 will receive their payment three days early on Thursday April 14.
People who qualify for Universal Credit might also be eligible for:
- Reduced council tax bills
- Capped water bills
- Half price bus
- Discounted rail fares
- Free or discounted gym membership
- Help with new job costs
- Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
- £25 in Cold Weather Payments
- Free or cheap broadband from TalkTalk, Virgin Media and BT
- Cheap BT phone calls
- Free prescriptions for people with zero income or those on a low income
- Free dental treatment
- Eye tests and discounted glasses
- Free school transport
- Free school meals
- Discounted childcare costs
- £150 towards school uniforms – dependent on the local authority
- £1,200 free cash as part of the Government’s Help to Save scheme
- Food vouchers for kids as part of the Healthy Start scheme
- Maternity grant up to £1,000
- Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
- Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
- Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
- Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
- Free wigs or fabric support provided by the NHS
- Free health travel costs
- Help with housing costs
- Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement support payments
- Reduced court fees.
