Contract phone while on Universal Credit

sian_d18

Hi, this might sound stupid, but, I am claiming Universal Credit as I am job searching at the moment, I am in need of a new phone, I was wondering if I could take out a contract with O2 while on Universal Credit, I am a single claimant under 25, so I get £251.77 per month, is this enough, I am living at home with my parents and barely have anything to pay for besides transport for job interviews, but my mum drives so she takes me sometimes.

Thank you,
Sian

d123

sian_d18 wrote: »

Hi, this might sound stupid, but, I am claiming Universal Credit as I am job searching at the moment, I am in need of a new phone, I was wondering if I could take out a contract with O2 while on Universal Credit, I am a single claimant under 25, so I get £251.77 per month, is this enough, I am living at home with my parents and barely have anything to pay for besides transport for job interviews, but my mum drives so she takes me sometimes.

Thank you,
Sian

If you can afford it and can pass a credit check then being on benefits doesn’t stop you having a contract phone.

Farway

d123 wrote: »

If you can afford it and can pass a credit check then being on benefits doesn’t stop you having a contract phone.

As above, credit check may be hitch but only one way to find out. You say you need a new phone, do you "need" or "want"?


I only ask because a used one on a SIM only monthly contract may be more affordable and not require credit check

mobilejunkie

Being on Universal credit is likely to be irrelevant. The main things are a good credit record; i.e. you have used credit (not excessively) with no missed or late payments and are on the Electoral Roll.

Ian011

A 12-, 18- or 24-month contfact is effectively buying a handset on credit and also ties you into the airtime agreement for the same minimum period.

If you can buy a handset outright and take a SIM-only one-month rolling airtime deal, you are then free to alter your airtime agreement, change back to pay-as-you-go, or change to a different provider at any time.