Payment in arrears.
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. A basic point but capable of causing problems.
This month we’re seeing people who have applied for Universal Credit but don’t realise there’s a delay of several weeks before first payment.
One client was told he would have to wait SEVEN weeks.
This shouldn’t happen because every claimant has the right to ask for a ‘short-term advance’ to tide them over.
But Job Centres don’t always make it clear at the UC interview.
At Citizens Advice we can help people manage their claim. We make sure they aren’t left without resources. But we’re asking local UC interviewers to help too.
Read our full advice on Universal Credit.
More about the short-term advance.