Changing benefits to monthly payments - why is it a problem?

littlerat

The transitional period would be a problem for a lot, but after that I don't see the issue. In fact it would allow bulk buying to become easier - all sorts of things are cheaper in big packs, but living hand to mouth the initial saving for them can be hard.

Then again, despite being on benefits for most of my life, my parents taught me about budgeting.

I must admit, getting one set of benefits fortnightly and another 4 monthly can be a pain. Although as I work my money more monthly, especially DLA, the 13th lot is always a bonus.

benefitbaby

Just wanted to add that the roll out of UC is expected to happen as follows (of course this could still be changed);
The timetable for phasing in universal credit is as follows:

• October 2012 (approx) - Main UC regulations published.
• April 2013 - Pathfinder areas (see below) used to test UC.

• Between October 2013 and Mid 2014 - If you are making a new claim you may receive universal credit in place of jobseekers allowance, employment support allowance, housing benefit, working tax credit or child tax credit. All new claims to these old benefits will be phased out by April 2014, with new claims to housing benefits and tax credits being the last to end in April 2014. You will also be moved onto UC if you are already receiving one of these benefits and your circumstances change significantly, such as if you find work or if you have a baby.

• From Mid 2014 - You may be moved onto UC if it is considered that you will benefit from this - For example if you are on working tax credit and work a small number of hours a week but could work more hours with support from UC.

• From the end of 2015 to the end of 2017 - If you have not been moved onto UC already you will be moved during this time.

Pathfinder areas:

• Bath and North East Somerset Council;
• Birmingham City Council;
• Caerphilly County Borough Council;
• Dumfries and Galloway Council;
• London Borough of Lewisham;
• Melton and Rushcliffe Borough Councils (as a partnership);
• Newport City Council;
• North Dorset District Council;
• North Lanarkshire Council;
• Oxford City Council;
• West Dunbartonshire Council; and
• West Lindsey District Council.

skintmumof2

Monthly benefit payments would be great for me, only if it's paid on set day each month. Say the 1st or last day like normal wages. I recieve hb paid 4 weekly. Say it goes in the 1st week of the month one month then I have to leave it in the bank till the end if the month when my rent is due. The next month it would be similair, eventually it falls near to my rent due date but then over time it goes to being a huge way off. If in the meantime I get a financial dilemma and have to draw on it I know I'll get child benefit or tax credits in before then to make it back up again. Having one big monthly payment would be a blessing as I could pay rent straight out with my and partners wages and actually have direct debits set up for bills!
All our bills we budget weekly as we don't have the money in the back on set days for dd so when we had dds they were always bouncing.
In summary uc paid monthly would be good aslong as its a set date each month and not 4weekly.

skintmumof2

Sorry for the typos writing on iPhone using predictive text.