THOUSANDS of low paid workers are missing out on Universal Credit payments and support with housing costs worth up to £21,000.
Brits are now being urged to check if they’re eligible for the benefit to help them get by.
Thousands of low paid workers are missing out on Universal Credit payments and support with housing costs worth up to £21,000
Universal Credit has replaced six other benefits with a single monthly payment if you are out of work or on low income.
Some households may be entitled to thousands of pounds a year depending on their individual circumstances.
For example, a couple living together with two children earning £7,350 a year could get £12,600 in Universal Credit – or £21,000 with housing costs.
Meanwhile, a single parent with one child earning £7,350 a year could get around £7,500 – or £14,000 with housing costs.
If you live by yourself, earn £7,350 a year and don’t have any kids, you could get around £300 – roughly £7,000 with housing costs.
Universal Credit claimants may also be eligible for more than £1,000 in child benefit, discretionary housing payments, disability living allowance, a council tax reduction as well as free school meals for children.
The easiest way to access these benefits is by claiming Universal Credit.
How to check if you can claim Universal Credit
If you think you may be missing out, it is easy to check if you are eligible.
Simply go to the GOV.UK website and use one of the free calculators to check what you’re entitled to.
Before using the tools, make sure you have any financial information to hand, such as bank and savings statements, and information on pensions and existing benefits.
You also need to know your outgoings, such as rent or childcare payments, as well as have a recent council tax bill to hand.
If you’re part of a family or live with a partner, get their basic financial information together too as this could affect your claim.
To then make a claim, go to the GOV.UK website and fill in the details.
