All news on the topic: Universal Credit

The DWP is working on ways it can reduce levels of fraud, error and debt in the benefits system and one measure set to be introduced is for investigators to gain access to information on a claimant's bank accounts

Currently, Universal Credit claimants who have health conditions or disabilities have to undergo a work capability assessment (WCA) to decide whether they're capable of working and if they're eligible for cash top-ups - these payments are worth £390

Local Housing Allowance, which has been frozen since 2020, sets the maximum amount people renting from a private landlord can claim in Housing Benefit or Universal Credit

The update came from the "Universal Credit and You" guidance page on Gov.uk. The page explains how a joint claim for Universal Credit works specifically highlighting what couples need to keep their Universal Credit eligibility

Local Housing Allowance rates are used to calculate Universal Credit and Housing Benefit payments for tenants renting from private landlords - the level of support is based on the area where the person lives and the size of their household

The DWP will be able to snoop on the bank accounts of people on Universal Credit and other benefits from 2032, it has been confirmed

The Prime Minister hinted that pre-election tax cut giveaways will be made on the back of 'difficult decisions to control welfare' which could mean benefit cuts for families

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed in the Autumn Statement last year that benefit payments would rise by 6.7% in April 2024 - so what date will they rise?

The pilot WorkWell scheme - which involves work coaches, physiotherapy and mental health treatment - will be launched in 15 areas this year, with the hope to expand them nationally in 2025

Anita Campbell, from County Durham, was on Universal Credit due to ill health - but after winning more than £500,000 twice in a matter of days, she has now paid off her debts

The new measures would allow DWP investigators to check bank accounts and see whether benefit claimants are misleading them about money they have, such as savings which could make them ineligible to claim

If you are expecting a payment on Monday, January 1, then you will be paid on Friday, December 29 instead, because of the New Year bank holiday

New Year's Day (January 1) falls on a Monday, so if you're due a benefit payment on this date, you'll be paid the previous working day - we explain everything you need to know

The Government has set a focus on the benefit system over the next few years after announcing a whole host of reforms in the Autumn statement in November

In a recent update, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) warned that couples could see a reduction in their joint Universal Credit payment if one person doesn't follow their Universal Credit Claimant Commitment

One thing you need to do when claiming Universal Credit or any other DWP benefit is to keep the DWP informed of your personal circumstances - this is because some changes could change your entitlement.

Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are both bank holidays, which means you'll be paid the previous working day if you're due a benefit payment

The Department for Work and Pensions could have access to bank accounts of state pensioners under a new rule change, as the government cracks down on fraud

There are nine benefits which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is legally required to increase in line with inflation each April, but others should rise too

Freezing weather across the country has triggered the Government's Cold Weather Payment scheme - here is a full round up of the 309 areas which are set to receive a payout

It affects anyone who has previously received a “migration notice“ with a deadline date to move to Universal Credit between today, December 11, 2023, and January 5, 2024

As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) doesn't make benefit payments on bank holidays, if you are due cash on the festive bank holidays this month then you will be paid your benefit early

The DWP is currently working on measures to help reduce levels of fraud in the benefits system - one measure would allow the DWP to access information on a claimant's bank account

The DWP can hand out £50 fines to those who do not declare overpayments of their benefit meaning Universal Credit claimants should always double-check their monthly payments

Mum Emma was 'heartbroken' after discovering the 'embarrassing' reality of living off food parcels - especially as her son was worried about how empty the cupboards were