Written evidence from Name Withheld [UCW0005]

I had the misfortune of having to apply for universal credit last year. I was given an advance payment of 600 pounds. By the time the rent was paid etc.  I had no money left for 4 weeks.  I was on the benefit for 2 months and when I stopped the claim the money was stopped that day. It was explained to me that as I was paid on the 10th of the month and I stopped the claim on the 19th  I would get no money at all. The advance put me in debt and I’m trying to pay it off at 10 pounds a month. Cutting the claim dead also put me in debt as the rent wasn’t paid, I didn’t expect to get the full if payment but neither did I expect to be cut off with nothing. I’m still I’m debt to the DWP and it has taken me nearly 8 months to get on my feet.

March 2020