Things you need to know about Universal Credit

Unemployment is at an all-time high. So if you're someone who is on Universal Credit or thinking of applying, here's what you need to know from someone who's been on both sides of the desk. Number one, remove the shame from financial hardship. Now, I know what we've all been fed about the benefit system, but right now the economy is crap, which means that more people than you believe are going through tough times. I will never forget that when I worked for DWP, one of my managers said this: As long as someone has paid into the system, I.e. paid into the system, they've been paying full time employed, etc, benefits are your right. They are not a luxury or a nice to have. And that really reshaped the way that I thought about it. Because I remember when I was on UC, that is not how I felt at all. I was like, Oh my gosh, can't believe this is my situation. I was accepted through my business, which I didn't even know they had, but I still felt crap. Ever since I've worked there, I've been telling everyone and anyone that I know to just speak up and ring. The thing is, when I started working there, there are so many people on UC. People with vineyards in the South of France, to the people that you know and love who are actually on the breadline. Take the shame out of it. Next up, just apply. I cannot tell you how many people I speak to and I'm telling them of the process and how many people come back with the, yeah, but I don't think they'll accept me because I've got a full-time job. Stop. Just apply. If you do not qualify, they will reject your application, but 9 times out of 10, there is going to be some kind of pillar that you fall under that will allow you to qualify for UC. The application itself is free. It is simple. It won't take you days to complete. Just do it. See what happens. Next up, the best isn't the monthly payments. The best of being part of the system or the ecosystem of Universal Credit isn't just the monthly payments. It's the access that it gives you. I.e. job opportunities, things that you may not have seen before. If you have a business, they will connect you with other businesses, funding, things like that. There's exemptions on some of the bills when you're going to the job interviews, there is support there. Like, it's not just about the one-time payment. And lastly, be honest and ask for more. If you don't ask, you don't get. And you will get to the bare minimum. Like anything, if you are part of a process, try to get as much as you can from it because you're there. So you might as well. And that's why I'm saying, get rid of the shame, get your application in, let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully that helped someone. Follow for more and I'll see you on the next one. Bye.