Thursday 20th December 2018
As part of the Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo weekly advice column we focus on universal credit.
I’ve had my Universal Credit payments reduced for missing an appointment. I don’t think this is fair as I had a good reason for not being able to attend. Now I am struggling to make ends meet. What should I do?
If you think the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a mistake in reducing your payments, you can ask for the decision to be reconsidered.
Contact the DWP as soon as possible setting out why you disagree with the decision. Make sure to include the date of the decision and your personal information, including your National Insurance number.
You can ask for this reconsideration in your Universal Credit online account, using a form on the government website, in writing or over the phone.
If the DWP does not change its decision you can appeal, although this could involve going to a tribunal and may take some time to be heard.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, you can apply for extra help. Ask the DWP for a hardship payment. This is usually a loan and will be deducted from future Universal Credit payments. You can apply for this payment through the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644, or by asking at your local Jobcentre Plus office. You may also be able to apply for financial help from your local council.
For further help visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Look out for our column next week when we focus on problems with holiday bookings.
The information contained in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice Exeter is unable to respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date version, please visit the Citizens Advice website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk