How parents can log in online and keep track of their Universal Credit payments
Eloise Hill
Content writerAlthough Universal Credit can be difficult to understand, there is a way for families to get logged into their accounts and keep track of their payments
There's nothing worse than not knowing when you're going to be paid and exactly how much you will get.
Universal credit claimants often face that problem, with payments differing month to month.
But there is a way to keep track of your payments using the online portal, which can be accessed through the government website.
All parents who claim are given an Online Journal, which is designed to record what they've done in order to claim the benefit.
First of all, how do you log in?
You need to log in to the government website to access your Universal Credit account, by using the username and password you originally used to sign up and make the claim.
And once you're all logged in, there are various features to make use of.
How to keep track of your Universal Credit payments
You can use your Universal Credit online account to view your statement.
This details how much your payment will be as well as when your next one is due, making it a convenient way of keeping track of your incoming benefit.
As well as this, your journal can help you understand why you're receiving a certain amount of money, as it breaks down your Universal Credit payment.
Normally, your payment will be visible a few days prior to the money arriving in your bank account.
Apply for an advance
Recipients can also apply for an advance on their Universal Credit payment, which can definitely come in handy in the initial 5 week wait between applying for the first benefit payment and receiving it.
Your online Universal Credit account can be used to make a claim, join your partner's claim, or send messages to your work coach about your progress.
What's more, you can find your Claimant Commitment on your online account, which are the commitments you agree to to receive Universal Credit.
A copy of your CV will be kept in your online journal, and a 'to do' list records what you need to keep doing to continue receiving the benefit.
What else can I use my online account for?
Your online account can also be used to do the following:
- Report a change in your circumstances
- Record the things you've done to prepare or search for a job
- Put a note in your journal
- Record your childcare costs
- Input details about a disability or health condition
In other money news, if your Universal Credit payments haven't gone up despite the April increase, this is why ...
And, Martin Lewis has issued THIS warning to those earning under £60k.
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