Linda's story

"Claim for Universal Credit - 31/12/15 - 1st payment due 17/2. One-off  payment of £70.00 in January. Not aware that council tax not part of  UC. £300+ arrears - bailiffs arrived. Housing officer fro Plus Dane is trying to get arrears wiped off. Rent officer from Plus Dane helping with housing benefit (rent being taken direct). Arrears on tax credit £250.00 because of UC - will be seeing P3 for help. Rent arrears due to gap between JSA and UC benefit. Single parent of 4 children, ages 16, 12, 11 and 9."

Thank you to Linda for sharing her experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote it down on her behalf.

Kate's story

"Was on ESA. Became fitter & was put on Universal Credit. Didn't realise tax credits, housing benefit & council tax benefit would stop. Last payment New Year's Eve apart from £70.00 advanced payment last week. Has 4 children aged from 9 - 16. Not due to get full payment until February & can't have further advance payment. School meals have been stopped along with other benefits."

Thank you to Kate for sharing her experience, and to the volunteer who listened and recorded it on her behalf.

Alun's Story

"Looking for a job and I am on Universal Credit but I have had no money for five weeks"

Thanks to Alun for sharing this with us.

6 weeks to wait for payment is too long...

"Had been on Universal Credit but got a job for a couple of months. Reclaimed Universal Credit on 4th September but first payment will not be until 17th October. Hadn't realised he would lose his Housing Benefit. Now owes £900 rent to [landlord]. He has agreed to pay £500 out of first Universal Credit payment. 6 weeks wait for payment is too long."

Thanks to Harry for sharing his circumstances with us and to the volunteer who listened.