Benefits for beginners: claiming for the first time
2020 was an unprecedented year for all of us. Many people working in secure employment found themselves unable to work - often for the first time in their lives, and were forced to have their first encounter with the benefits system.
Claim what you’re entitled to!
A common reaction from people who have worked all their lives is that they don't want to "ask" for benefits or feel that somehow they are taking handouts. So consider this. When you work, you pay National Insurance. Insurance is defined as "an arrangement by which a company or the state undertakes to provide a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a specified premium."
This means that if you've paid in - i.e. paid your National Insurance whilst you worked - you are entitled to a pay-out. So, the moral of the story is that if you find you are not making ends meet because your employment situation has changed, or you are ill – claim!
Where should I start?
Here is a link to a useful online benefits checker – just input your details and the programme will tell you what you are entitled to claim: https://benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.uk/
If you are making a new claim it will most likely be for Universal Credit.
What is Universal Credit?
UC is a payment to help with your living costs, if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
It is paid monthly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
How is Universal Credit calculated?
Universal Credit is made up of building blocks of payments which include:
A basic amount depending on age & partner status
An extra element if you have children
A Housing Element, which is money towards your rent
Plus other blocks depending on your circumstances
More information can be found here
How do I claim?
Universal Credit is set up to allow you to claim online – start here.
If you can't manage an online application because you don't use the internet then you can make a telephone claim: call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644