Universal Credit

View the video to help you prepare before you claim Universal Credit.

Bank account

You must have a bank, building society, post office account or credit union account before you can apply for Universal Credit. If you don’t have an account, the Money Advice Service website has advice about choosing a bank account.

Budgeting

Because Universal Credit is paid monthly, and your rent – for example – may be paid weekly or fortnightly, you may need to change the way you budget your money. The links below provide more advice and guidance on how to plan out your budget.

• How to budget for monthly payments
• How to use your bank account to make budgeting easier
• Budget Planner
• Universal Credit and Budgeting
• Managing your money video

Help and advice

The following links can help you prepare for the change:

• DWP - Getting Ready for Universal Credit Personal Planner
• Money Advice Service – Get ready for Universal Credit

Personal Budgeting Support

The Council can help you if you need help to:

• Set up a bank account
• Manage your money and help you to budget
• Budget and manage your money on a monthly basis

Contact the Benefits Team, see below, to arrange an appointment or to find out about the help available.

Last updated Thursday, 18th October 2018

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