A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee has stepped forward with crucial advice that could prevent thousands of Universal Credit claimants from facing payment delays and potential sanctions.
The insider, who worked directly with the benefits system, reveals that many people are unaware of critical deadlines that govern their claims - particularly around assessment periods and payment dates.
The Five-Day Deadline That Could Make or Break Your Claim
The most vital piece of information shared by the ex-DWP worker concerns a tight five-day window that claimants must be aware of. According to the former employee, if you need to report changes or provide additional information about your claim, you have just five days from the end of your assessment period to do so.
"Missing this deadline can have serious consequences," the insider warned. "It can lead to payment delays of several weeks or even result in your claim being closed entirely."
Understanding Your Assessment Period
Many claimants struggle to understand how Universal Credit assessment periods work, which contributes to confusion around payment dates. The system operates on monthly assessment periods that typically run from the same date each month.
"Your payment date is determined by when you first made your claim," the former DWP worker explained. "But if that date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, your payment will usually arrive on the last working day before that date."
Common Mistakes That Delay Payments
The ex-employee highlighted several frequent errors that lead to payment issues:
- Failing to report income changes promptly
- Not updating living situation changes
- Missing journal messages from work coaches
- Incorrect bank details on file
"The journal system is there for a reason," the insider emphasised. "Work coaches use it to communicate important information, and ignoring these messages is one of the quickest ways to run into problems."
Proactive Steps to Protect Your Payments
To avoid payment disruptions, the former DWP worker recommends:
- Set calendar reminders for your assessment period end dates
- Check your Universal Credit journal daily
- Report any changes immediately rather than waiting
- Keep your bank details and personal information up to date
- Respond promptly to any messages from the DWP
The insider's advice comes at a critical time, as many households continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis and rely heavily on their Universal Credit payments arriving on time.
"Knowledge is power when dealing with the benefits system," the former employee concluded. "Understanding these rules and deadlines can make the difference between receiving your payment on time and facing weeks of financial uncertainty."
