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How close to deadline can I apply for Universal credit?

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21 hours 12 minutes ago #310311 by george
Hi there , was just wondering how close to the deadline is it safe ( as thinking about processing etc ) to apply for Universal credit ?
I would like to apply on the 27th of November my deadline is the 30th of November. I'm thinking of phoning up to apply so thought today what if I can't get through and the 27th is a Thursday so would only have one more day to try again as then it's the weekend and the 30th . Also if applying on the helpline do you phone up and arrange a day to ring back to apply ?
Many thanks x

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19 hours 27 minutes ago #310314 by latetrain
Hi george

Your question is outside the remit of the forum. You need to seek specialist advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation: advicelocal.uk where they can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving you advice.

A question I would ask is, Why would you leave it to the last minute to apply for UC and potentially lose transitional protection if it is relevant to your situation?

If you contact UC helpline, you will be asked to apply to Citizens Advice 'Help to Claim', you can contact an adviser through their free Help to Claim phone service. Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday:

England: 0800 144 8 444
Scotland: 0800 023 2581
Wales: 08000 241 220

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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18 hours 40 minutes ago #310317 by george
OK so I phone uc helpline then they give ne a number to ring via citizens that's wherever you from area wise I take it as I live in a rural area so getting local help is very every limited . I was leaving it near the deadline because of bills basically as have no back up or savings while waiting for the first payment I also anticipate a wait as know they will want a couple of bank statements because of a equity payment years back so need to get them sorted. I'm flat out exhausted as well as have just sent off my pip review too !

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18 hours 36 minutes ago #310318 by george
Also yes I am entitled to transitional protection as have sdp . Thanks for reply .

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18 hours 28 minutes ago #310319 by latetrain
Hi george

If you are in receipt of ESA then you are best to apply for UC once your ESA hits your bank a/c, that will give you time if there are any problems, remember it takes 5 weeks to receive your first UC, you can ask for an advanced payment, which you have to pay back over time, max payment period 24 months..

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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18 hours 15 minutes ago #310321 by george
I will have one more payment after applying though won't I as it's a ,legacy benefit ? so in theory it's three weeks after applying ? but am concerned as everyone is that it may not go smoothly .

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