In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the UK government has introduced a £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment for eligible citizens.
This one-off payment is part of a broader effort to support low-income families and individuals who are struggling with rising living expenses. This financial support aims to help alleviate the burden of skyrocketing energy bills, food costs, and other essentials.
Let’s explore the details, including eligibility, payment dates, and what this extra payment means for Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
What is the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment?
The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment is a temporary financial relief measure aimed at supporting individuals and families already receiving Universal Credit.
It is part of the UK government’s £15 billion cost of living support package, designed to assist households facing financial pressure due to inflation and the rising cost of essentials.
The payment is intended to provide much-needed help to those most affected by the cost of living crisis.
Universal Credit itself is a means-tested benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It combines several out-of-work benefits into a single monthly payment, assisting those who are unemployed, working part-time, or on a low income.
Eligibility for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment
To qualify for this one-off payment, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must live in the UK. There are additional rules for non-British citizens, including certain residency restrictions.
- State Pension Age: You must be below State Pension Age to claim Universal Credit.
- Household Income: Your eligibility for Universal Credit and the extra payment depends on your household income, which includes earnings from employment, pensions, and savings. Generally, you can claim Universal Credit if your household income is below a certain threshold.
- Employment Status: You can receive Universal Credit whether you are unemployed, working part-time, self-employed, or earning a low income.
The £1,739 payment will be automatically awarded to eligible individuals who are actively receiving Universal Credit as of a specific date, which is yet to be officially confirmed by the DWP.
Importantly, there is no need to apply separately for this payment; it will be automatically credited to your UC account if you meet the requirements.
Payment Dates for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment
The exact payment dates for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment have not yet been confirmed by the DWP. However, the payment is expected to be made between July and September 2024.
To stay updated on the specific payment date, claimants should regularly check the DWP’s official website or their Universal Credit account.
Once the payment is confirmed, it will be directly deposited into your UC account, just like your regular monthly Universal Credit payments. You won’t need to submit any additional forms or applications.
Benefits of the £1,739 Extra Payment
The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment will provide a vital financial boost to those already grappling with rising costs. Here’s how this payment can make a difference:
- Managing Increased Costs: The extra payment is intended to help cover the increasing costs of essential items such as energy bills, rent, groceries, and transportation. With inflation hitting households hard, this payment offers some breathing room to manage monthly expenses.
- Preventing Financial Hardship: For low-income individuals and families, the payment will help prevent further financial strain. By receiving this extra support, claimants may avoid falling into debt or facing difficult choices between paying for utilities or purchasing food.
- Temporary Relief: Although this is a one-time payment, it can provide temporary relief during a challenging economic period. Recipients are encouraged to use the funds to address immediate needs and seek additional government assistance if necessary.
Understanding Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment provided to help with living costs. It combines several benefits into one and is designed for individuals who are:
- Out of work or on a low income
- Caring for someone or disabled
- Paying for housing costs (such as rent or mortgage interest)
The amount of Universal Credit you receive depends on your household situation—whether you have children, a disability, or other financial needs. It’s designed to offer tailored support based on individual circumstances.
The £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment is a vital measure introduced by the UK government to help low-income households cope with the rising cost of living.
It will be automatically provided to existing Universal Credit claimants, with payments expected between July and September 2024.
While it’s a one-off payment, it can help families and individuals manage increased living costs, offering short-term relief during this difficult economic period.
For continued updates, claimants should monitor their Universal Credit account and the DWP website for the latest payment details.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment?
You must be an active Universal Credit claimant, aged 18 or above, living in the UK, and below State Pension Age. Your household income must also meet the eligibility threshold.
Do I need to apply for the £1,739 payment?
No, the payment will be automatically provided to eligible claimants based on their Universal Credit status as of a specific date.
When will the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment be made?
The payment is expected between July and September 2024. The exact date will be confirmed by the DWP.
How will I receive the £1,739 payment?
The payment will be credited directly to your Universal Credit account, similar to your regular monthly payments.
Can I receive this payment if I’m employed?
Yes, you can receive Universal Credit and the extra payment if you are working but on a low income.
