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<p>The amount of Universal Credit paid to claimants reflects, as closely as possible,
the actual circumstances of a household during each monthly assessment period.</p><p>
</p><p>Monthly assessment periods align to the way the majority of employees are paid
and how utility companies and other service providers collect payments. This allows
Universal Credit to be adjusted each month, which means that if a claimant’s income
falls they will not have to wait several months for a rise in their Universal Credit.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department publishes a guide for claimants which tells them how Universal
Credit works, including assessment periods.</p><p><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/807855/uc-and-you-v16.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/807855/uc-and-you-v16.pdf</a></p><p>
</p><p>The Department also publishes more specific guidance for claimants about how
different earning patterns affect Universal Credit.</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles</a></p><p>
</p><p>We continually review Universal Credit using feedback from claimants and stakeholders
to inform further improvements to the service.</p>
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