Universal Credit support

If you have low income, you may qualify for financial support from the Government in the form of Universal Credit.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a benefit for people who are on a low income, are out of work or cannot work. It is designed to help with your living costs.

The amount you receive may vary, based on any income you have. You can find out if you are eligible to claim on the Government website.

Universal Credit FAQs

How much Universal Credit will I get? expandable section

This will depend on the income and circumstances of all the household members.

Your standard allowance will depend on your age and whether you are single or claiming as a couple. There is one standard allowance for your household. You can use the Turn2Us benefits calculator, to get an estimate of what you may be entitled to when you claim Universal Credit.

Find out more about Universal Credit.
When will I receive my Universal Credit payment? expandable section

Universal Credit is a single payment made monthly. If you live in Scotland, you can choose to have it paid twice a month.

Once you have applied for Universal Credit, there is an assessment period. You can find more information on when you are paid on the Government website.

After the first payment, you’ll be paid on the same date of every month.

If your payment date falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday, you’ll be paid on the last working day before.

You’ll get a monthly statement that tells you how much Universal Credit you’re going to get. If you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you can apply to get an advance.

The most you can get as an advance is the amount of your first estimated payment.

You can apply for an advance payment in your Universal Credit account.

You can set up alerts to let you know when payments have reached your bank account through our Mobile Banking app. You can find more information on setting up alerts here.
How will my Universal Credit payment be paid? expandable section

Universal Credit will be paid into your bank account or other nominated account.

For most people, your Universal Credit payment will include money for your rent and it's up to you to make sure you pay that rent to your landlord. If you're worried you might struggle to do this, you can ask for the money to be paid direct to your landlord instead.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can pay more frequently or split payments in some circumstances.

If you live in Scotland, you can ask for your Universal Credit to be paid twice a month.
How can I access my money if I’ve exceeded my overdraft? expandable section

If your benefit payment has been paid into your account and you’ve exceeded your overdraft, we can still help you. Call into a branch and bring your account card with you or proof of ID.
Can I change the date I receive my benefit payment? expandable section

Your payment will be made to you on the same day of every month you are entitled to receive it. If you want to change the date that you are paid, view a statement of payments or update your circumstances, you will need to log into your Universal Credit account.
Will I be entitled to any other benefits? expandable section

There may be other benefits that you could be entitled to claim. You can use the Turn2Us benefits calculator to see what you may be eligible for.
Where can I find help to manage my budget? expandable section

Our budgeting tool may help you to understand your finances better.

You can also book a Helping Hand appointment to review your finances with a Banking Consultant in branch. They can help find ways to make your money go further and how you can manage your budget better.

Find a branch near you or call us to book an appointment on 0345 300 0000.

Lines are open 7am – 11pm, 7 days a week.

Calls and online sessions may be monitored and recorded. Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.