Universal Credit payments will come through early next week - get ready now

Universal Credit payments can take up to five weeks to arrive when an initial claim is put through. Beyond this, they will come through every four weeks on the same date of every month.

This could happen under the following circumstances:

• they’re paid weekly, every two weeks, or every four weeks
• their monthly payment date changes, for example, they get paid on the last working day of every month

For those with payment date problems, a Universal Credit helpline can be contacted for assistance.

Claims for Universal Credit can be made online and couples will need to apply together.

Following an initial claim, the Universal Credit team may phone the claimant if they need more information or if they cannot verify their identity online.

When applying, claimants will need certain information ready, which includes banking details, housing costs and income details.

For those needing assistance with their claim, there is a Help to Claim service provided by Citizens Advice which can guide them through the process step by step.