EXTRA CREDIT

How to get extra cash worth up to £1,100 when Universal Credit £20 boost ends

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FAMILIES on Universal Credit can get help with childcare costs and energy bills when the £20 benefit uplift ends.

The government is planning to scrap the Universal Credit increase in September - but there are other ways for Brits to access extra cash and savings.

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The cut to Universal Credit will reduce payments by £20 per weekCredit: Alamy

Families who claim Universal Credit have had an extra £20 a week to help them cope during the the pandemic.

The extra cash was introduced at the beginning of the Covid crisis as part of a package of emergency financial support.

But ministers have said the temporary uplift will end in September after lockdown is over, despite pleas for the higher payment to continue.

What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit

IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:

  • Apply for an advance - Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
  • Alternative Payment Arrangements - If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.
  • Budgeting Advance - You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
  • Cut your Council Tax - You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent.
  • Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the 

Work and Pensions secretary Therese Coffey told MPs this week: "Ahead of October we will start communicating with the current claimants who receive the £20 to make them aware that will be being phased out and they will start to see an adjustment in their payments largely in October, or late September for some people."

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To apply you should visit the government website which will direct you to your  to see what support it can offer - but the amount will usually depend on your circumstances.

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You will need to apply directly with your local authority.

What you get depends on:

  • where you live - each council runs its own scheme
  • your circumstances (income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
  • your household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
  • if your children live with you
  • if other adults live with you

School uniform grant

School uniforms can be expensive - and that's why some local authorities offer struggling parents a grant to cover some of the cost.

You could get up to £150 to put towards your child's school uniform, but the amount varies depending on which council area you live in.

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