Think you know
about Universal Credit?

Myths & Facts

There are a lot of myths out there about Universal Credit.
We set the record straight.

You asked, we answered

We asked Universal Credit work coaches to read and respond to comments from social media

Meet the
work coaches

When you apply for Universal Credit, you get a work coach to support you. They’ll get to know you and design a package of tailored support to meet your individual needs.
Universal Credit work coaches tell us more about their role…

Anne
Anne

UC work coach

It’s my job to get to know the individual so I can make sure they get the support they need.

Everything I do, whether it’s sending claimants on an English language course or preparing them for an interview, helps people move forward in their lives and that’s just brilliant.

I find it frustrating to hear the negative stories in the media - if you just listened to what’s reported, it’s not surprising people think Universal Credit doesn’t work. But, Universal Credit isn’t just a benefit system, it’s delivered by work coaches like me who really care about helping the people who claim it. If that means people can get back into work quickly, that’s great, though not everyone is ready to do that straight away.

Anne
Anne

UC work coach

It’s my job to get to know the individual so I can make sure they get the support they need.

Anne
Ola

UC work coach

Claimants will contact me if they get stuck. It’s a privilege to support them.

On an average day, in addition to seeing customers on a one to one basis, I run motivational group sessions which involve me seeing ten claimants at a time to help boost their confidence and make sure they’re getting the support that’s right for them.

Active listening is a skill you pick up in this role; it means you listen, ask questions and fully understand our customers. This is important to ensure you tailor the service for each individual.

Ola
Ola

UC work coach

Claimants will contact me if they get stuck. It’s a privilege to support them.

Case studies

Universal Credit supports all kinds of people who are on a low income or out of work. We’re bringing you the real stories from the frontline of Universal Credit – the stories you don’t get to read about in the news.

Paul had been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance on-and-off since 2007. He says: ‘I found it so frustrating having to sign off every time I found a job that was more than 16 hours a week.’

But when he switched over to Universal Credit, that all changed.

His work coach Jen explains: ‘It was important that Paul understood that unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance he wouldn’t have to start a new claim every time he was out of work.’

Knowing he wouldn’t lose out financially gave him the confidence to let Jen put him forward for a role as a steward at a theme park.

He was offered the position which had hours fluctuating on a seasonal basis. That wasn’t a problem with Universal Credit, which makes it easier for people to accept overtime or additional hours.

Getting a steady job hasn’t just helped Paul financially, it’s made him happier and more confident.

Paul

Case study

Read Paul's story >

Paul is no longer afraid of work or losing his benefits

Leam was in the middle of a graphic design course when he realised a career in computing wasn’t for him. He turned to the Jobcentre for help to get back on track.

Leam was assigned a dedicated work coach, Kirsty, to help him get into employment.

He said: ‘When I met Kirsty, I mentioned I’d done some voluntary work as a bakery assistant in a local supermarket and really enjoyed it.’

With a wealth of training courses at her fingertips, Kirsty put Leam forward for a course at a large national supermarket which lead to Leam doing a week’s placement at a local supermarket.

Leam continued receiving Universal Credit so he didn’t have to go without money – crucially it topped up his earnings, rather than stopping as soon as he took on more hours.

At the end of his placement, his section manager was so impressed by his work he offered him a job.

Leam

Case study

Read Leam's story >

Leam is thriving in his new role thanks to the support of the Jobcentre

When Bradley was made redundant from his admin job, he turned to the Jobcentre for help.

Bradley’s work coach Jayne got to know him and put him forward for workshops and a door supervisor training course.

But shortly after passing the course, Bradley fell ill and couldn’t work.

The support of Universal Credit really came into its own - his payments continued while he was unwell so he didn’t have to worry about the bills.

After this difficult period, Bradley slowly got his confidence back and wanted to get back into admin.

Jayne set up a four-week work experience placement with Advance Care Yorkshire - they were so impressed by his dedication they offered him a two-year apprenticeship.

Bradley now works 30 hours a week and still receives Universal Credit. He says: ‘I had reservations about the support, but it’s much more manageable with all of the benefits rolled into one.’

Bradley

Case study

Read Bradley's story >

Universal Credit supported Bradley through redundancy and illness into his dream job

Case study: Bradley

Thanks to the help and support of Universal Credit Bradley has landed his dream job

Your Guide to UC

Your guide
to Universal Credit

If you find yourself unemployed, or your income isn’t enough to support you and your family, the chances are you’ll need to claim Universal Credit.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT EXPLAINED

Universal Credit is replacing income support, income based jobseeker’s allowance, working tax credit, income-related employment and support allowance, housing benefit and child tax credit.

Universal Credit is designed to reflect the time we live in now – increasing numbers of people want to work flexible hours in order to fit around family life and commitments. Universal Credit works for those people in a way the old system couldn’t. We now have a system that really works to support you back into work, every step of the way.

Your Universal Credit payment is made directly into your bank account on the same date each month.

Your first payment will usually be made 5 weeks after the date of your claim, BUT if you need it, the Jobcentre will organise an advance payment, usually made on the very same day if you need money urgently. This can be up to the full amount of the first month’s payment, and can be paid back over 12 months, interest free.

Alternative payment arrangements, such as having your rent paid directly to your landlord, can also be considered for claimants who are having significant budgeting difficulties, and can be arranged by a work coach. You can find out about eligibility criteria here

If you are currently claiming any of the old benefits, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. However, if your circumstances change before then, you may need to make a claim but your Jobcentre can provide more information.

You might not be in a position where you need Universal Credit right now, but if things change for you, Universal Credit will be there to act as a safety net and offer urgent financial and work-related support.

With Universal Credit you can now work more than 16 hours and still be supported, so taking a job will always be worthwhile. When you start working or increase your hours, Universal Credit will top up your earnings, so even if you find a temporary job, or just take on a few hours a week, you’ll be supported while building your skills and strengthening your CV.

As you begin to earn more, your monthly Universal Credit payment will gradually decrease.

If you have a health condition or disability which prevents you from working, or limits the amount of work you can do, Universal Credit will be there to support you.

If you have a limited capability for work, you may not be able to look for work right now, but your Jobcentre can help you prepare so when you’re able to return to work, you feel ready and confident.

You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you’re out of work or on a low income, are over 18 and a UK resident.
To make your claim, all you need to do is visit gov.uk/universal-credit, or visit your local Jobcentre and apply there if that’s easier for you.

Find out more about Universal Credit >

Tips for job hunters

Keen to dive back into work but don’t know where to begin?

Kathleen Houston

Kath Houston is a university lecturer, freelance career coach, published writer and regular radio guest on local and national radio programmes, offering advice on career topics.

She believes everyone should be career happy.

Click on the categories below to discover more.

Get some experience so that you can prove what you can do. Try volunteering or get some part-time work - this will give you great skills and experience for your CV. This does not have to be a massive time commitment. Do-It.org offers thousands of ideas from organisations who want short term help for a range of causes. You can search for local volunteer work by your postcode.

Think about what makes you different. That is where you will discover your distinctive qualities. Do the self-audit and uncover what is best about you. Showcase this in your CV in the Achievements and Skills sections.

Make it look good and sound good. Layout is so important but the content has to be readable, clear and accurate.

The CV has to show the three Es - your usefulness (Employability), your Enthusiasm and the Evidence (examples) of what you can do. Finally, check it for errors and spelling mistakes. These are an absolute turn-off for employers.

1

Interrogate the job advert and job specification. Think of the questions they will need to ask to check whether you fit their criteria. Try to guess what the questions might be and prepare your answers and concrete examples of what you can offer.

2

Always play to your strengths. Tell them what you can do, not what you can’t.

3

Be ready for the usual suspect questions, the common interview questions. Why do you want this job? What can you offer us by way of skills and experience? What do you know about the company? Show your motivation for the role. Your answers should be mini paragraphs, three to four sentences that give them relevant information and clear evidence of how wonderful you are.

4

Be ready with some interesting questions yourself. Research the employer. Go beyond Google to find out about them. Use a business directory. Try and find out about the organisation from someone who works there.