Universal Credit update over extra £28 payments

Changes to the DWP system could see thousands of Universal Credit claimants getting an extra £28 payment. The policy is already in place in certain areas, with the possibility that it could be expanded to the whole of the UK. Policy advocates recently spoke to the Work and Pensions Committee about what should be done to tackle child poverty. One idea that was put forward by the representatives was to expand the Scottish Child Payment. This is a £28.20 a week payment that goes out to people on certain benefits, for each child they look after who is under the age of 16. The payments go out every four weeks, meaning a claimant would get £112.80 each four-week pay period for each child they have. Only one person can get the payment for a particular child. Receiving the extra payment does not affect any other UK or Scottish Government benefits that you get, or that any other person in your household receives. People on Universal Credit and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) can claim the extra payment. You may also be eligible if you are a single claimant on any of these benefits: Pension Credit Income Support Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If your partner is named on any of the above three benefits while you are not, your partner can apply for the payment. Edward McPherson, senior consultant at policy consultancy group WPI Economics , told the committee that the payment has been effective as it has "demonstrably reduced child poverty rates in Scotland ". He said it could also have a positive impact if it were expanded across the UK. He said: "When you model an extension of that to the UK, it is very effective as well." Benefit payments increased in April. The standard allowance for Universal Credit has increased to: Claimants single and under 25 - £338.58 Claimants single and 25 or over - £424.90 Claimants living with a partner and you're both under 25 - 528.34 Claimants living with a partner and either of you are 25 or over - £666.97. You can also get another £303.94 a month for each child that lives with you. This policy changed recently as this support was previously restricted to your first two children, but now you can get the payment for each of any number of child you care for. You may also want to check if you can claim Child Benefit, which pays £27.05 a week for your eldest or only child, and £17.90 a week for each other child you have. Once either you or your partner individually start earning more than £60,000, you have to pay back part of your claim. The amount you have to pay back increases as your individual income goes up, and you have to pay back the full amount once your earnings reach £80,000.