Universal Credit is the Government’s new scheme to combine 6 benefits into one universal payment. These benefits include Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefits, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Working Tax credit.
If you’ve heard of Universal Credit, you may have seen loads of headlines about what it may entail for you, and it can be pretty confusing when looking at what you need to actually figure out and what these changes might mean for you. It should also be noted that at the time of writing, Universal Credit has not yet rolled out across the country, and you will be contacted when it does.
Universal Credit is for those that are either on a low income or are currently out of work. You should be able to find out if you are eligible for Universal Credit if you use the Citizen’s Advice eligibility checker.
There are also additional factors that affect your eligibility. For example, if you have children, are aged 16 or 17, or live with your partner — these are all factors that could affect your eligibility to get Universal Credit. For more details, head over to gov.uk for more details.
In order to claim Universal Credit, you will have to apply on the .gov site here. In order to apply, you will also need the following:
- Your account details for where you want your payment to go
- An email address
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about your living situation
- Information about your income
- Details of any savings or investments
- Details of childcare costs
- Single and under 25 — £251.77 Per Month
- Single & 25 or Over — £317.82 Per Month
- In a couple & under 25 — £395.20 Per Month (For you both)
- In a couple & 25 or Over — £498.89 (For you both)
These figures are in addition to what you would normally receive.
- One Child — £277.08 Per Month (If born before 6/4/2017)
- One Child — £231.67 Per Month (If born after 6/4/2017)
- Two Children — £231.67 Per Month
- Disabled or Severely Disabled Child — £126.11 or £383.86 Per Month
- Childcare Help — Up to 85% of Childcare costs covered
There are also additional exceptions involved if you have more than 2 children and additional circumstances, which you will be able to find here.
This is in addition to what you would normally receive.
- If you have limited capability to work — £328.32 Per Month
- If you started your health-related Universal Credit or ESA Claim before 3/4/3017 — £126.11 Per Month
How much do I get I care for a Disabled Person?
- 35 Hours or more Care per week for a severely disabled person who receives a disability benefit — £156.45 Per Month
This amount also stacks on top of your normal allowance and any other childcare benefits.
Yes, you are able to work and also claim Universal Credit, depending on your circumstances. Your Universal Credit claim will decrease by 63p for every £1 you earn. Additionally, you are also able to claim a work allowance if you are responsible for a child, or are living with a disability that affects your ability to work.
If you start to earn more, your payments may reduce until you are no longer able to claim Universal Credit. If your income drops again, you will need to submit another claim online.
From when your claim is confirmed, it will take around 5 weeks to receive your first payment. After the first payment, you will be paid on that same date every month, if it lands on a weekend, you will be paid the last working day of that week.
You can receive your Universal Credit into your U Account, current account, bank, building society or Credit Union account.
All information on this article has been sourced from gov.uk
Originally published at www.uaccount.uk.
