Universal Credit

Your Universal Credit is assessed and paid in arrears, on a monthly basis in a single payment. You can however, request via your account for your payment to be split into 2 over the month). Your personal circumstances, including your earnings, number of children etc. will be assessed to work out the amount of Universal Credit you will get.

Your first assessment period will start on the day you make your Universal Credit claim. The assessment period will always run for 1 calendar month. You will usually receive your first payment 7 days  after the end of your assessment period.

For example –

You make a claim on 7th March, your monthly assessment period will then run from the 7th March, until the 6th April and you will receive your first payment on 13th April. You will then receive your Universal Credit payment on the 13th of each month and your monthly assessment period will always run from the 7th to the 6th of each month.

Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for your assessment period. You should report a change of circumstances to get the correct payment.

Your First Payment 

It will take around 5 weeks until you receive your first payment of Universal Credit. If you are unable to manage until then, you can apply for an advance payment. Please note, that you will need to pay back your advance at an agreed amount from your on-going payments.

To apply for an advance you can

• Apply through your online account
• Speak to your Job Centre Plus work coach
• Call the Universal Credit helpline – 0800 328 5644

Other Financial Support 

Please get in touch with our Financial Inclusion Team who will be able to provide support and access other funds to help you manage until your first payment is received.

Support they can provide includes:-

• Check eligibility and apply for a “Crisis Grant” from your local authority area to help manage essential living costs
• Potentially access emergency fuel top-ups
• Make foodbank referrals

Please email the Financial Inclusion Team on referrals@aha.org.uk

Or call the main office – 03451 772244 and ask to speak to a member of our team.