New Universal Credit online tool lets struggling Brits know if they’re entitled to benefits ‘in minutes’
BRITS struggling financially can now find out what benefits they could be entitled to with a new online tool - and it only takes a few minutes.
The benefits checker has been launched by the government to help people find out if they are eligible for support like Universal Credit.
Claims for Universal Credit have soared since the coronavirus pandemic outbreak hit a year ago as restrictions impact household income.
Six million Brits are now claiming the financial support, according to the latest official figures up to January 14 - that's up 98% compared to March 2020.
The new is free to use on the gov.uk website and all you have to do is answer some questions.
The information you'll need to hand include what your current income is for you and your partner if you have one, and how much you have in savings, if any.
You'll also be asked about any benefits or pension you already get and what your outgoings are, such as rent or childcare payments.
Users of the tool should be aware that eligibility for benefits is not guaranteed but the checker can indicate whether it's worth starting a claim.
It can also guide you to more information about the type of financial support available and the eligibility criteria in detail.
The government has said it's also worth using other benefit checker tools to understand what support you might get.
There are several free online benefit calculators that will break down your payments and what you’re entitled to. These include:
Anyone claiming legacy benefits has also been warned to check carefully before making a claim for Universal Credit.
Six benefits are being gradually replaced by Universal Credit, but claimants might not be better off by switching over.
Using the tool alone does not mean you are making a claim. But you may be guided to more information on how to claim after using it.
A Universal Credit claim would automatically end your entitlement to the older benefits. You'll also need to wait up to five weeks for your first payment to arrive.
What benefits will Universal Credit replace?
UNIVERSAL Credit will be claimed by everyone by 2024. It replaces six types of benefit payment:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that any information you submit when using the tool is not kept by them and can't be traced back to you.
Will Quince, the minister for welfare delivery, said: "In a matter of moments, you can find out if you may be eligible for Universal Credit.
";If you are, you could also receive additional benefits, such as half-price travel and childcare payments."
He added: "If you think you’re eligible to claim, please do check, so you can see what support you may be able to access."
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