Support for Universal Credit cuts
Unfortunately, changes to Universal Credit are nothing new. The extra £20 a week that was offered as part of the pandemic relief package was questionably cut in August, and the effects of this will be felt by millions for a long time to come. If you're worried about how you're going to make ends meet and keep your house warm this winter due to Universal Credit cuts, take a look at some of our tips below.
Run a benefits check
To cover costs that have been lost by the cut to Universal Credit, it may be worth doing a benefits check to determine if you're entitled to any other sources of government aid. If you're wondering how to do this, you have two options: use a free online calculator or contact your Local Citizens Advice for further information.
Contact your local council
If you're struggling to make ends meet, it may be worth contacting your local council. They can recommend food banks and may have access to hardship funds that you could be entitled to as a result of Universal Credit losses.
Look into council tax support
If you’re from a low-income household, it may be worth looking into the council tax support systems available. Depending on the area in which you live, your council tax bill could be reduced by as much as 100% in an attempt to help you get back on your feet. Many factors can lead to a discounted rate, such as unemployment, the number of children that you have, your income, your partner’s income, and your residency status.
Contact our team
Our team are on hand to offer support to those in need. Often, our clients are entitled to benefits alongside their income, meaning that our experts can calculate what or how much you’re entitled to based on your earnings and help you prepare for the impact of any financial changes. For more information about the support available to those struggling with Universal Credit cuts, contact a member of our team at Taxcare Accountancy.