June 2023 - An update from our Universal Credit Support Team

Boost to childcare costs

From 28 June Universal Credit claimants will see a rise to the maximum amount of childcare costs they can claim.  The changes will increase eligible claims from £646 to £951 if claiming for one child and £1108 to £1630 for two or more children.  Parents will continue to be able to claim a maximum of 85% of their costs up to this limit.

Customers will also be able to claim childcare costs up front when moving into work or increasing their hours.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

Most people will be paid the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment automatically between 20 June 2023 and 4 July 2023.

You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of a qualifying disability benefit on 1 April 2023 to get the Disability Cost of Living Payment.

School clothing grants and free school meals

Find out if you meet the qualifying criteria to apply for a School clothing grant and free schools meals.  School clothing grant applications can be made online via East Ayrshire Council.

Best start school payment

The £250 School Age Payment is made around the time a child normally starts Primary 1 to help with the costs of a child starting school. You can use it for anything from school bags, shoes, a warm coat, after school clubs, books or days out. It is not a loan so does not have to be paid back. 

If you are in receipt of the Scottish Child payment you will not need to apply for the Best Start grants as this is an automatic process.  Please note that you can claim the Scottish Child payment as well as Child Benefit.

Please check eligibility and the application process at Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods.

Awareness Sessions

We continue to run awareness sessions covering the basics of Universal Credit and how our team can support you and our communities. 

If you're interested please inform your line manager, who can contact us directly by email or call 01563 503280 to arrange a toolbox talk. This can be face-to-face or via MS Teams. We are happy to attend your team meeting or arrange additional bespoke sessions.

Universal Credit Support Team

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

It's 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
or

email the UC Support Team