Universal Credit: Why your first payment amount could be less than your estimated payment

As the UK lockdown continues in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), many will be affected financially by the crisis. Already, claims for Universal Credit had soared – with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming that since March 16, more than a million new claims for Universal Credit have been processed.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said: “We are doing whatever it takes to make claiming benefits as straightforward as possible during a time when we are receiving an unprecedented number of claims.

“That’s why no one making a new claim to Universal Credit needs to call us.

“Once you’ve completed your online application, you can rest assured we have received your claim and we will call you if we need to check any of the information you’ve given us.”

However, with so many new claimants, many may be left wondering how much they will get.

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Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance, as well as any extra amounts which may apply to the claimant – such as if they have children, need help in paying their rent, or have a disability or health condition that prevents them from working.

It’s possible to use an independent benefits calculator in order to see how much a person can get.

The government website, Gov.uk, signposts three of these calculators – which are hosted by Turn2us, Policy in Practice, and entitledto.

A claimant’s circumstances are assessed every month, and any changes in circumstances can affect how much a person is paid for the whole assessment period – rather than just from the date that they are reported.

The payment itself is made once a month, and this is usually into the claimant’s bank, building society or credit union account.