Universal Credit: How long is the assessment period for Universal Credit?

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The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many to sign up for Universal Credit in recent months. Universal Credit is an option which can provide financial support to people who are out of work or have a low income. But once you have applied for Universal Credit, your eligibility for the benefit will continue to be assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions while you continue to claim.

How long is the assessment period for Universal Credit?

After you have made a claim for Universal Credit, it usually takes around five weeks to receive your first payment if your claim is successful.

There is a one month assessment period, and then it can take up to an additional seven days for your first payment to be paid out and received.

If you need money in the five weeks leading up to your Universal Credit payment, you can apply for an advance from the Government.

After the initial assessment period, Universal Credit will be paid out to you on the same day each month.

As you are usually paid monthly on Universal Credit, assessment periods will run on a rolling basis.

It is important you report any changes in your income during an assessment period.

Changes to your income during an assessment period will affect how much Universal Credit you receive that month.

Any changes to your Universal Credit payments will be outlined in a monthly statement that people receive while claiming the benefit.

You can be employed while claiming for Universal Credit, but how much you earn will impact on how much you receive from the benefit.

For every £1 you earn, the Government will reduce your Universal Credit payments by 63p.

The reduction is based on how much you earn, as there is no limit to how many hours you can work while receiving the benefit.

Depending on your personal circumstances, such as whether you are responsible for children or have a disability or health condition, you may also get a work allowance.

The amount you earn up to the threshold of your work allowance will not reduce your Universal Credit payments.

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How do you apply for Universal Credit?

You can apply for Universal Credit via the Government website.

If your claim is successful and you start receiving Universal Credit payments, you will be able to login to your account online.

You will have to verify your identity as part of the application process for the benefit, so will need proof of ID such as a driving licence, passport or debit/credit card.

To apply for Universal Credit, the Government outlines you will also need the following information to hand:

  • your bank, building society or credit union account details (call the Universal Credit helpline if you do not have one)
  • an email address
  • information about your housing, for example how much rent you pay
  • details of your income, for example payslips
  • details of savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out
  • details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs

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