Universal Credit: change of bank details time window?

leorory

Good morning

I am writing to ask if anyone is familiar with Universal Credit system and change of bank details.

Two days ago I reported a change of bank details via my online account, and was instructed by UC to phone themselves, in order to book an appointment at the Job Centre (to provide proof of new bank details).

I phoned yesterday and was told that I should request the appointment via my online journal, rather than by phone. 

I have left a message in my journal requesting an appointment, but I don't know how long it will take staff to respond. And I am conscious that my details need to be changed in time for my next payment (due in around 3 weeks). 

Honestly, I feel like UC are trying to give me the run-around. I still have a message in my To-Do list saying I need to phone them to book an appointment (which I tried). I understand that if I do not complete items in my To-Do list I could be sanctioned.  

It just seems like I cannot win.

Anybody been in this situation and how do it go for you?

Any idea how long it will take UC to update my payment details? Will they be processed in time, assuming I manage to get an appointment in the next few days?

What would happen if I don't secure an appointment by my next payment date, or if I do but my details are not updated in time? Would my payment go into my old account?

Best wishes
Leorory 

calcotti

If you used the bank switching service I think that even if your next UC goes into your old account the previous bank will forward it to your new account and inform DWP of your new details.
See https://www.uswitch.com/current-accounts/guides/current-account-switching/

tomtom256

Unless you have a work coach assigned, your journal will go unanswered until your pay date, potentially later if a case manager doesn't need to action anything.
Can you drop into your local jobcentre with proof of your new account, if you can, do that as it's a 2 minute job?

sammyjammy

tomtom256 said:

Unless you have a work coach assigned, your journal will go unanswered until your pay date, potentially later if a case manager doesn't need to action anything.
Can you drop into your local jobcentre with proof of your new account, if you can, do that as it's a 2 minute job?

Will they do it without an appointment though? I know its quite strict these days and you can't just wander in and around like the old days.

NedS

sammyjammy said:

tomtom256 said:

Unless you have a work coach assigned, your journal will go unanswered until your pay date, potentially later if a case manager doesn't need to action anything.
Can you drop into your local jobcentre with proof of your new account, if you can, do that as it's a 2 minute job?

Will they do it without an appointment though? I know its quite strict these days and you can't just wander in and around like the old days.

Maybe not, but they should at least be able to book an appointment and thus get the ball rolling.

@leorory you will need to take something with proof of your name, new account number and sort code (e.g. bank card, bank statement) for the new account in order to confirm the details.

tomtom256

sammyjammy said:

Will they do it without an appointment though? I know its quite strict these days and you can't just wander in and around like the old days.

Yes you can, as they should have a front of house service that will deal with a drop in.

leorory

Thank you all, I visited the job centre in person and they sorted it out within 20 mins :-)

Recommend the same for anyone in that situation: just drop in to the Job Centre.

Best wishes

Lianne