New Budgeting Support for Universal Credit Claimants

A free online support to help Universal Credit claimants with their personal finances has been launched.

Money Advice Service’s Online Money Manager https://obs.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ is an interactive tool that offers personalised advice on making the most of your money while you’re on Universal Credit.

It offers help and advice on a range of money topics, including opening a bank account, keeping on top of bills and dealing with debt. The tool provides advice and guidance on how to manage monthly payments, including paying rent, as well as giving money saving hints and tips, and signposting claimants to other money advice products/services that may help them to budget effectively.

The Money Manager tailors support and advice by creating a personal journey for claimants. Each journey is determined by a set of filter questions so only relevant information is presented to users.

Universal Credit is built to mirror the world of work to make the transition much easier for claimants and so there is always an incentive to work. New claimants receive monthly benefit payments, just like a monthly salary and some customers may need extra help to manage this change.