The UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has announced an extra £1,739 Universal Credit (UC) payment for eligible citizens. This payment aims to provide financial relief amid the rising cost of living crisis, which has significantly impacted household budgets, especially due to increasing energy bills and essential goods prices.
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that consolidates several out-of-work and low-income benefits into a single monthly payment. The extra UC payment will be granted automatically to eligible claimants, helping them cope with financial hardships.
£1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment for UK Citizens
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Benefit Name | Universal Credit (UC) |
Administered By | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
Extra Payment Amount | £1,739 |
Eligibility | Existing UC claimants meeting specific conditions |
Payment Period | Expected between July – September 2025 |
Application Requirement | No separate application required; automatic payment for eligible claimants |
Official Website | Visit GOV.UK |
Understanding Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit is designed to provide financial support to low-income individuals, unemployed individuals, and those struggling to meet daily expenses. Unlike traditional benefits, UC is paid monthly and adjusts based on individual and household circumstances.
Who Can Receive Universal Credit?
You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you meet the following conditions:
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older (some exceptions apply for 16-17-year-olds).
- Residency: Must be living in the UK (non-British citizens have additional rules).
- State Pension Age: Must be below the State Pension Age.
- Income & Savings:
- Household income should be below the threshold set by DWP.
- Savings below £16,000 (if savings exceed this, you may not qualify).
- Employment Status:
- Available for unemployed individuals.
- Claimants can also receive UC while working part-time, self-employed, or on low income.
Why Is This Extra UC Payment Being Given?
The UK is experiencing a severe cost of living crisis, primarily due to:
- Rising energy bills
- Increased food and essential goods prices
- High inflation rates impacting purchasing power
In response, the government introduced a £15 billion Cost of Living Support Package, which includes the £1,739 one-off Universal Credit uplift.
Who Is Eligible for the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment?
The extra UC payment will be automatically awarded to claimants who meet the eligibility criteria on the designated qualifying date.
Eligibility Breakdown
- Must be an active UC claimant as of the specified date (to be announced by DWP).
- No separate application is required – eligible individuals will receive the amount directly in their UC account.
- Household income and circumstances will determine eligibility.
- Those already receiving Universal Credit payments will automatically qualify for the uplift.
When Will the Extra Universal Credit Payment Be Made?
The exact payment dates for the £1,739 UC uplift have not yet been confirmed by the DWP. However, current announcements indicate it will be disbursed sometime between July and September 2025.
To stay informed about payment dates, claimants are advised to regularly check the DWP’s official website for updates.
How Will the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment Be Paid?
The process for receiving this additional support is straightforward:
- No need to apply separately – payments will be processed automatically for eligible claimants.
- The amount will be credited directly into the claimant’s Universal Credit account.
- DWP will notify eligible individuals through their online UC portal or official correspondence.
Why Is This Extra Payment Important?
The extra Universal Credit payment will provide much-needed financial relief to low-income households struggling with the cost of living crisis. This additional support will help claimants:
- Cover essential expenses such as rent, food, and utility bills.
- Manage rising energy costs amid the increase in gas and electricity prices.
- Reduce financial stress for families and individuals relying on government support.
Also Read: DWP PIP Major Changes – Vouchers and One-Off Payouts to Replace Regular Payments
Steps to Ensure You Receive the £1,739 UC Payment
To make sure you receive the extra Universal Credit uplift, follow these steps:
- Check your Universal Credit status
- Ensure you are an active UC claimant as of the designated date.
- Update your details with the DWP
- Verify your bank account details, address, and eligibility status.
- Monitor official announcements
- Keep an eye on DWP updates via GOV.UK to stay informed.
- Avoid scams
- The DWP does not ask for personal details via email or text – beware of fraudulent messages.
FAQs About the £1,739 Extra Universal Credit Payment
1. What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit in the UK that replaces multiple previous welfare payments with a single monthly allowance.
2. Who qualifies for the £1,739 extra UC payment?
Anyone who is already receiving Universal Credit and meets the DWP’s eligibility criteria on the designated qualifying date will automatically receive the extra payment.
3. Do I need to apply for this extra payment?
No, you do not need to apply separately. The payment will be automatically processed for eligible individuals.
4. When will the £1,739 UC payment be made?
While the exact dates have not yet been confirmed, the government has indicated it will be disbursed between July and September 2025.
5. How will I receive the extra payment?
The amount will be credited directly into your Universal Credit account, just like regular UC payments.
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