Universal Credit: How much you could be entitled to amid coronavirus crisis

Universal Credit is offered by the government as a living support payment, and is vital for those who rely upon extra income to assist them in their daily lives. The benefit has increased in demand during the coronavirus crisis, with millions of claimants accessing the payment within the past few weeks. The government has provided reassurance that it has increased staff numbers at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to cope with the surge in requests.

READ MORE

  • Martin Lewis advises where to put money to keep it ‘totally protected’

But what amount are Britons entitled to in Universal Credit during the coronavirus crisis?

The Universal Credit amount has increased twice in April under government measures.

The first rise was to mark the end of the benefit freeze, which saw a 1.7 percent increase in Universal Credit amongst other DWP benefits.

However, the DWP also said there would be an additional increase to assist Britons during the coronavirus crisis.

They said: “From 6 April the government is increasing the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit for one year.

“Both will increase by £20 per week on top of planned annual uprating. This will apply to all new and existing Universal Credit claimants and to existing Working Tax Credit claimants.”

Universal Credit amounts vary dependent upon individual circumstances, however, the government has provided a standard allowance guide to help.

For those who are single and over the age of 25, a claimant can expect a monthly allowance of £409.89.

Those who are in a couple and over the age of 25 can receive £594.04 to split between them.

For those couples under 25, the standard allowance is £488.59, and single people under 25 could receive £342.72 per month.

Universal Credit is increased for those who have children, disabilities, health conditions or who need support with their housing costs.

Britons who have two children could receive over £500 in additional support to assist their living costs.

DON’T MISS
Universal Credit: How to receive an early payment amid coronavirus [INSIGHT]
May 2020 benefit dates: All key payment dates to note [ANALYSIS]
Universal Credit: How to apply during coronavirus crisis [EXPLAINER]

READ MORE

  • Universal Credit: DWP admits it ‘didn’t really consider’ changing wait

Those with disabilities or health conditions could receive £341.92 or £128.25 dependent on their conditions.

And those who care for a disabled person could receive £162.92 in extra monthly allowances.

As the lockdown appears to be drawing to an eventual close, Britons are reminded that earnings are likely to affect Universal Credit payments.

For every £1 a claimant earns, Universal Credit payment reduces by 63p.

However, there is no limit to how many hours one person can work while on the system.

The government urges claimants to use a benefits calculator in order to determine how much they could be entitled to under Universal Credit.

For Britons who undergo a change in circumstances, potentially as a result of changing government measures to do with lockdown, these changes must be reported to the DWP.

Signing into one’s Universal Credit account online allows circumstances to be frequently updated, such as finding a job, having a child, moving to a new address or becoming too ill to work.

The government states it will continue to provide benefit and scheme support to eligible Britons throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Source: Read Full Article