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<p>Universal Credit (UC) is a calendar monthly assessed benefit that is paid monthly
in arrears. This approach reflects the world of work, where the majority of all employees
receive wages monthly.</p><p /><p>Unlike the legacy benefit system, Universal Credit
takes income and earnings into account in a way that is fair and transparent across
all claimant circumstances, such as different frequencies in earnings and income received.
The amount of Universal Credit paid reflects, as closely as possible, the actual circumstances
of a household for each monthly assessment period, including any income and/or earnings
reported by the employer during that period.</p><p> </p><p>Monthly reporting allows
Universal Credit to be adjusted on a monthly basis, which ensures that if a claimant's
income falls, which results in a rise in their Universal Credit award, they will not
have to wait several months to receive it.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, Work Coaches
are trained to gauge claimants’ financial needs from their first contact and can refer
them to more specialist support for personal budgeting, money guidance and debt advice
if required, including through the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).</p>
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