Around 23m people are currently claiming some form of benefits in the UK. With rising costs of living putting increasing pressure on household finances people are claiming much-needed help through universal credit, legacy benefits, state pension, and other benefits.
With experts warning of further cost increases, including another rise in the energy price cap in October, the UK Government has put forward a £15bn support package which includes extra cash for those struggling the most. You can read more about that here.
Despite this many are looking to the benefits system for the first time and wondering how long it will be before they receive their first payment. In some cases the Department for Work and Pensions is telling people they could be waiting for months after they first apply.
