I’m a Universal Credit expert – here’s why your payments will change in July
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MILLIONS of households claiming Universal Credit or other benefits will see a change to their payments next month.
Many will see more cash than usual land in their accounts when the first instalment of the £650 cost-of-living payment is made in July, benefits expert Lee Healey said.
The measure is part of a bumper £15billion energy bill package of support unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month.
It's just one of a series of payments struggling households may be able to get - including a £400 energy bill grant and a £300 winter fuel discount.
Eight million are in line for the £650 cost-of-living payment, which will be paid in two instalments this year.
It will be given to those on mean-tested benefits including: Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income support, Pension Credit, working tax credit and child tax credit.
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The Sun spoke to benefits expert Lee, who runs the social enterprise , to get the lowdown of everything you need to know about the help.
He's worked for years giving out welfare advice at IncomeMAX, which helps people maximise their income.
He's warned claimants to check their benefit entitlement to make sure they're getting all the help they're eligible for - as you could be in line for even more cost of living cash.
How will payments change?
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The first chunk of the £650 cost-of-living payment will land in your account from July 14.
It means that you'll see an extra £326 land in your account at this point.
To get the first payment, you will need to be in receipt of eligible benefit payments as of May 25 this year, or have started a claim by this date and later be successful.
You don't need to do anything, you'll get the help automatically.
Then you'll get the second £324 instalment later this year - but this could be as late as December.
What if I don't get my payment?
If you don't get your payment on July 14, there could be a number of reasons why, Lee said.
"Those claiming tax credits might not get first payment until autumn - there will be a delay in getting paid," he said.
"That's a pain for those who will have to wait for the help.
"That's why you should be aware of the dates of when the DWP will pay the help - and you can then budget accordingly."
As many as 1.5million people claim tax credits - and although an exact date for payments has not been set, they'll get the help in autumn and winter.
People may be receiving tax credits alongside other benefits that qualify for the cost of living payment.
So the £650 payment to those on tax credits only will be dished out at a later date to avoid any double payments being made.
"Be patient - the DWP will pay according to schedule," Lee said.
"Wait for payments to drop. But if there’s a problem, chat to the DWP - which could be your work coach or the helpline for the particular benefit you're claiming."
Don't miss out on the help
It's not just the £650 cost-of-living payment you could be entitled to, Lee said.
You could be eligible for other cost of living grants announced by Rishi Sunak if you claim certain benefits.
But many people are missing out on this vital help because they are not claiming the benefits they are eligible for, Lee said.
For example, those claiming Personal Independence Payments are among the people who qualify for the £150 cost of living payment.
But thousands who could get the help haven't claimed it - and are missing out.
"That's why it's so important to make sure you’re getting the benefits you’re entitled to," Lee said.
You can find free-to-use online benefits-calculators to work out what you're entitled to.
For example, Entitledto's free works out whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credits and Universal Credit.
You'll need to register to use the service - if you don't want to do this, then consumer group and charity both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data that let you save your results without logging in.
What other help can I get?
There's other help you can get to pay for your bills.
Councils also have schemes you can apply to - such as the Household Support Fund and welfare assistance programmes.
You can also go to charities to get financial assistance.
There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.
This could help with food, bills or buying essential white goods like a cooker or washing machine if you don't have the cash to hand.
Turn2Us has a so you can find out what help is available to you.
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Energy suppliers are also giving out up to £1,500 in grants to help struggling customers pay their bills.
You can see the full list of help on offer in our helpful round-up.