The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment is a new one-off financial support measure introduced by the UK government to help low-income families and individuals claiming Universal Credit (UC).
This additional payment aims to provide temporary relief in response to the rising cost of living and is part of a broader government support package designed to assist vulnerable households.
Here’s everything you need to know about the payment, eligibility, and when you can expect to receive it.
£1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment
The Universal Credit system is a means-tested benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK. It consolidates multiple benefits into one monthly payment, covering people who are out of work or on low incomes.
The new £1,739 Extra Payment is designed to help eligible claimants cope with rising expenses, including food, housing, and especially energy bills, which have surged due to the current economic conditions.
The government has announced a £15 billion cost of living support package, which includes this one-off payment to eligible UC claimants.
Eligibility for the £1,739 Extra Payment
The eligibility criteria for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment are largely tied to existing Universal Credit eligibility. If you are already receiving UC payments, you may automatically qualify for this extra payment. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
- Age Requirement:
- You must be 18 years or older to qualify for Universal Credit.
- You must be under the State Pension Age.
- Residency:
- You must be living in the UK to claim UC. Non-British citizens may need to meet additional residency rules.
- Income:
- Your household income, including earnings from employment, pensions, or savings, must be below a certain threshold set by the government. You can be eligible whether you’re unemployed, working part-time, self-employed, or earning a low income.
- Existing Universal Credit Claim:
- To qualify for the £1,739 extra payment, you must already be an active Universal Credit claimant as of a specific date, which will be announced by the DWP. There’s no need to submit a separate claim for this payment if you’re already receiving UC.
Payment Dates for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment
The exact payment dates for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment have yet to be confirmed by the DWP. However, it is anticipated that the payments will be made sometime between July and September 2024.
You don’t need to take any additional steps to receive the extra payment. As long as you are an eligible Universal Credit claimant on the designated qualifying date, the payment will be automatically deposited into your UC account.
How the Extra Universal Credit Payment Can Help
The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment aims to provide temporary financial relief to low-income families and individuals struggling with the rising costs of essentials like:
- Energy bills
- Food
- Housing
- Healthcare
By offering additional financial resources, this payment can help individuals:
- Manage their monthly budgets more effectively.
- Prevent debt by covering essential expenses that may have otherwise gone unpaid.
- Ensure financial stability during a period of economic uncertainty.
This measure provides crucial support to those on Universal Credit, allowing them to keep up with rising living costs and maintain a basic standard of living.
The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment is a welcome form of relief for UK residents struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.
For those already receiving Universal Credit, the payment will be made automatically, and there is no need for a separate claim. Stay informed about payment dates and updates by checking the DWP’s official portal or your Universal Credit account.
This extra payment is a temporary measure, so it’s also important for claimants to explore other government support programs to ensure long-term financial stability.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment?
Eligibility is automatic for existing Universal Credit claimants who meet the basic requirements of being over 18, under State Pension Age, and residing in the UK with a household income below a certain threshold.
Do I need to apply for the extra Universal Credit payment?
No, if you are eligible for Universal Credit, the payment will be automatically deposited into your account. There is no need to apply separately.
When will the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit payment be made?
The payment dates are expected between July and September 2024, but the exact date will be confirmed by the DWP.
What is the purpose of the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit payment?
This payment is designed to help low-income individuals and families manage the rising cost of living, particularly with essentials like energy bills, housing, and food.
How can I check my eligibility or payment status?
You can check your Universal Credit account online through the DWP portal or contact DWP customer service for further information.
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