In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the UK government has introduced a £1,739 one-off Universal Credit payment to provide financial relief to low-income families and individuals.
This payment is part of a broader £15 billion support package aimed at helping citizens manage the rising costs of essentials such as food and energy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the £1,739 extra Universal Credit payment, including eligibility criteria and expected payment dates.
What Is the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment?
The £1,739 extra payment is a temporary financial support measure introduced by the UK government to assist those on Universal Credit (UC) in coping with the increased cost of living.
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that combines several out-of-work benefits into a single monthly payment. It is designed to support individuals and families with low incomes, whether they are unemployed, working part-time, or self-employed.
The one-off £1,739 payment is intended to provide immediate relief for households struggling to make ends meet due to the sharp rise in living costs, particularly in essential areas such as energy bills and food.
Eligibility for the £1,739 Extra Payment
To be eligible for the £1,739 extra Universal Credit payment, you must meet specific criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You must be living in the UK. Additional rules apply to non-British citizens, but the general requirement is to be a resident.
- State Pension Age: You must be under the State Pension Age.
- Current Universal Credit Claimant: You must be actively claiming Universal Credit as of a specific date, which will be set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Income Threshold: Your eligibility and the amount you receive from Universal Credit depend on your household income, which includes earnings from employment, pensions, and savings. Typically, your household income must be below a certain threshold to qualify for UC.
If you are currently receiving Universal Credit and meet the above criteria, you should automatically qualify for the £1,739 extra payment without needing to submit a separate application.
Payment Dates
The exact dates for when the £1,739 extra Universal Credit payment will be distributed have not yet been confirmed by the DWP. However, it is expected that the payments will be made sometime between July and September 2024.
The DWP will provide further updates on the specific payment dates, and eligible claimants will receive the payment directly into their Universal Credit accounts.
Impact of the Extra Payment
The £1,739 extra payment is intended to help alleviate the financial pressure many low-income households face due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Here’s how this payment can make a difference:
- Immediate Financial Relief: The extra funds can be used to cover rising costs of essentials like food, utilities, and other necessary expenses, offering some much-needed breathing room for those struggling to manage their budgets.
- Economic Stability: By providing this one-off payment, the government aims to prevent low-income families from slipping further into financial hardship and debt.
- Enhanced Budgeting Flexibility: With additional resources, recipients can better prioritize their spending, manage their finances more effectively, and plan for future expenses.
The £1,739 extra Universal Credit payment represents a significant boost for those currently receiving Universal Credit and struggling with the high cost of living.
As a temporary measure, it’s essential for recipients to use this payment wisely and explore other government programs that may offer additional support.
To stay informed about the latest updates regarding this payment, including exact payment dates and any additional eligibility criteria, it is advisable to regularly check the DWP’s official website.
This extra payment aims to provide some relief during these challenging times, but it is also crucial for individuals and families to seek long-term financial strategies and support where necessary.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £1,739 extra Universal Credit payment?
Eligibility is for those actively claiming Universal Credit, aged 18 or over, living in the UK, and under State Pension Age.
When will the £1,739 payment be made?
The payment is expected between July and September 2024, with exact dates to be confirmed by the DWP.
Do I need to apply for the £1,739 extra payment?
No, eligible Universal Credit recipients will receive the payment automatically.
What can the £1,739 payment be used for?
The payment can help cover rising living costs, including food, energy bills, and other essential expenses.
How can I stay updated on the £1,739 payment?
Regularly check the DWP’s official website for updates on payment dates and eligibility criteria.
