Universal Credit changes October 2019: When it gets paid, how it affects you and how much you'll get

From Manchester Evening News:

Universal credit changes: When it gets paid, how it will affect you and how much you'll get

Universal credit changes next month - here's everything you need to know

By

Rachel PughMoney-Saving & Consumer Writer

• 16:52, 12 SEP 2019

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Universal Credit will change from October 2.

The changes were announced in the budget, and will see the repayment cap lowered from the 40 per cent maximum, down to 30pc. This means that some claimants will be able to keep more of their money, as the DWP will be able to deduct less from benefit payments to pay back rent arrears, advanced payments or sanctions.

Those who are currently being charged 40pc will receive more money from October.

More at 

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/when-is-universal-credit-paid-16908948

including:

• What is Universal Credit?
• Who can claim Universal Credit?
• What Universal Credit is replacing
• When will Universal Credit get paid into my bank account? — and how that varies from bank brand to bank brand!
• What happens if my Universal Credit payment day lands on a Bank Holiday or weekend?
• How much Universal Credit will I get?

The article tails off with:

The official government website suggests using one of the following:

• Policy in Practice
• entitledto
• Turn2us

For more detailed information on Universal Credit, you can contact Citizen's Advice here.

 This blog editor advises that claimants go to all interviews with a friend if possible, and that includes Citizens Advice interviews. (The golden motto of Kilburn Unemployed Workers Group is: Never attend anywhere official alone.) This is now especially important when obtaining Universal Credit-related information, advice and guidance from Citizens Advice, as can be gleaned from the implications of a Disability News Service article:

Citizens Advice signed gagging clause in return for share of £51m from DWP

By John Pring on 15th August 2019 Category: Benefits and Poverty

Two charities that will receive £51 million in government funding to provide advice and support to claimants of universal credit (UC) signed gagging clauses that prevent them bringing the Department for Work and Pensions “unfairly” into “disrepute”.

Both Citizens Advice (CA) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) signed grant agreements with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – worth a total of £51 million – that include the same clause....

More at https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/citizens-advice-signed-gagging-clause-in-return-for-share-of-51m-from-dwp/

Alan Wheatley