For some people there will be a best time to claim Universal Credit. Below we have listed just some reasons.
It is always best to speak to a Benefits Adviser before you claim.
NOTE: These are just examples, there are other factors to take account of.
5 week wait until your first Universal Credit payment
You may want to think about how you will manage until you receive your first Universal Credit payment.
Whilst you can request an Advance Payment, this is a loan that will be repaid through deductions from your ongoing Universal Credit payments (see Can I get an Advance Payment for more information).
If you are paid your Tax Credits every four weeks then making your claim for Universal Credit just after receiving this may help.
Working and getting paid monthly?
If you are working and paid monthly, then it is usually best if you don’t make your Universal Credit claim around the date your wages are paid, as this can sometimes result in two monthly wages being used when the DWP assess one monthly Universal Credit award.
(See How does UC work for workers for more information.)
Paying for childcare or self-employed?
Then you will need to report your childcare payments / income and expenses at the end of every monthly Assessment Period. Timing of the Universal Credit claim could be relevant.
(See Help with childcare costs for more information.)
Change in Circumstances
If, before the date given in your Migration Notice:
- You are expecting the outcome of a claim for Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance for a member of your benefit family, or
- You will become a full time advanced education student, or
- Your savings/capital will go over £16,000, or
- You are having a significant change in your circumstances, such as moving home or having a baby.
There could be a best time to claim to maximise any Transitional Protection you might be entitled to.
See Transitional Protection for more information and speak to a Benefits Adviser before you make your claim for Universal Credit – they will look at this with you.
Are you, or could you be affected by the Benefit Cap?
If your total ‘welfare’ including any Child Benefit, Tax Credits and certain other benefits is more than £423 a week (excluding any help with your childcare), then you could be affected by the Benefit Cap once you move onto Universal Credit. You could see a substantial drop in your income. So speak to a Benefits Adviser if you think you could be affected.
(See The Benefit Cap for more information. )