Universal Credit payments are tailored to an individual claimant’s circumstances, with additional amounts provided for certain elements such as childcare. If a claimant still requires additional support after their monthly payment, certain perks could be received such as a reduction on council tax bills.

The council tax reductions can be generous but new Universal Credit claimants should apply straight away as many councils will not backdate it.

Initial claims for Universal Credit can be made online and couples will need to apply together if they live together.

Claimants who need help with their application can contact a Universal Credit helplineif they cannot use or access digital services.

Additionally, a “Help to Claim” service can also help people through the early stages of their claim and it is offered without charge by Citizens Advice.

Initial payments usually take around five weeks to arrive.

Beyond this, a single payment will be paid every four weeks on the same date.

Should the payment date fall on a weekend or bank holiday, claimants will get paid on the first working day before this.

Claimants will also be provided with a monthly statement telling them how much they’ll receive for the weeks ahead.

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