The Money Advice Service's online Money Manager is an interactive tool that offers personalised advice on making the most of your money, while you're on Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment which replaces six benefits.
It's much simpler for claimants, and adjusts automatically when someone moves into work.
It's designed to mirror the world of work; the monthly payments reflect the way many people's wages are paid.
Money for housing costs also goes to the claimant, rather than straight to their landlord, giving people control over their own finances.
Here are Money Advice Service's 6 top tips to managing your money
Keep track of how much money you have coming in and how much you need to spend on essentials.
You can use the Online Money Manager to help.
Take a look at your spending and create two lists: one for things you really need, and another for things you could live without.
Universal Credit is paid monthly so, if you’re used to working out your spending weekly or fortnightly, you’ll need to start managing your money across the whole month.
These include rent or mortgage, Council Tax, utility bills, and repayments on loans, credit cards or store cards.
If there’s a risk you’ll fall behind with payments, don’t bury your head in the sand.
Lenders, councils and landlords can work with you to manage repayments if you tell them as soon as there’s a problem.
With essential bills, like your gas, electricity or phone, you could save up to £200 a year if you switch to a better deal.
Even making a single call to your current provider to ask about cheaper tariffs could make you better off.
If you’re tempted to borrow, think carefully about how you will keep up with repayments.
Stay away from high-cost borrowing like payday or doorstep lenders.
If you must borrow, credit unions can offer cheaper loans and will work with you to set affordable repayments.
More information
For personalised support, visit the Money Manager
