October 2022 - An update from our Universal Credit Support Team

Employees receiving Universal Credit are likely to see their Universal Credit impacted by the 2022 Local Government Pay Award and backdated pay.

It has been confirmed that the rise, together with the backdated pay, will be added to employees’ October pay slips.

If you receive Universal Credit this may mean that in the assessment period where you receive your pay increase and backdated payment, your earnings will be higher than usual, which may result in:

• A reduction in your Universal Credit payment

• The increase in wages may reduce your Universal Credit payments in subsequent months

• Your wages being too high to qualify for Universal Credit, resulting in no award

^{If this is the case and you receive DHP (Discretionary Housing Payment), to cover under occupancy, this will also end. This may also affect your entitlement to other benefits such as:}

• ^{Free School Meals}

• ^{Clothing Grant}

• ^{Scottish Child Payment}

^{Any entitlement you have to Council Tax reduction may also be affected by the increase in your monthly wage.}

If your claim does close because of the increase and backdated award you will see a message on your Universal Credit Journal telling you about this.

What do I do if my claim closes?

Universal Credit payments do not start again automatically. If your Universal Credit payments stop because you have had additional pay, you must start up your claim again. You should do this as soon as you can to make sure you do not miss out.

To reclaim, log into your Universal Credit Journal and select the 'Reclaim tab’ at the bottom of the screen. You will then have to answer a few simple questions.

If you have problems re-starting your claim, you should contact your Work Coach in the first instance

You can get more help and support by:

• Calling the UC Support Team on 01563 503280
• Emailing the UC Support Team
• Contacting the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344.

Please visit the East Ayrshire "Cost of Living" webpage for support and assistance with Money, Food, Energy, Community, Wellbeing and Business.

You can also contact us on 01563 503280 to make sure you are receiving all the benefits, grants and payments you are entitled to.

Universal Credit Support Team

If you want to refer someone to us just complete our easy to use referral form, Giving us this basic information makes things quicker for everyone.

Referring yourself or someone else is easy! If you're not sure about any aspect of UC or you think someone maybe missing out then you can give us a call or drop us an email.

Helpline 01563 503280 email the UC Support Team