Martin Lewis says people earning under £60,000 could be owed £6,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). Money Saving Expert is urging people earning under a certain threshold to check whether they can claim up to £5,800 in Universal Credit.
1.4 million people could be missing out on Universal Credit payments averaging £5,800 annually, particularly affecting those with earnings under £35,000. Mr Lewis’ MSE points out that even individuals with children or high childcare costs who earn up to £60,000 a year might still qualify for some Universal Credit.
The DWP states: “You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be: out of work, working (including self-employed or part time) or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.”
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MSE said: “UNIVERSAL CREDIT – 1.4 MILLION miss out on an average of up to £5,800 a year. The catch-all monthly benefit to support those of working age (with low or no income) with living and housing costs. Who’s likely missing out?.
“Households with lower incomes, up to roughly £35,000/yr, though if you’ve kids, high childcare costs and rent, it could be £60,000/yr.” England, Wales and Scotland all follow the same guidelines. Scotland has some extra flexibility when it comes to receiving the payments, known as ‘Scottish choices’.
MSE said: “Here, you can choose to be paid monthly or twice monthly, and if you get an extra housing payment you can choose to get it in your bank account or paid directly to your landlord.” Mr Lewis, the BBC and ITV star, added that in Northern Ireland, there’s a slightly different system and Universal Credit is normally paid twice a month – though you can choose to be paid monthly