Universal credit????

Blackpool_Saver

Ok thanks. have read since that people struggling can ask for payments 2 weekly

szam_

GordonJBennett wrote: »

when I went back to work I waited 6 weeks before getting a wage, not sure what you mean about getting a sub, when I worked with DWP ESA New Claims I was constantly arranging payments or directing clients to Crisis Loans, no-one was left with no money, ever

Weird, when i found myself a job and came off JSA, they refused to help me with anything (this was when you got £100 if you'd been unemployed for 6 months or more, i was a week short of that).

I then had to walk 4 miles to work and 4 miles back developing nasty blisters in the process, for a month and a half, as i started mid month and couldn't afford buses on top of rent, bills and being able to feed myself.

sammyjammy

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Ok thanks. have read since that people struggling can ask for payments 2 weekly

not strictly true, people will be expected to learn to budget and manage their money monthly, like most in work do. Only the vulnerable and where it has been agreed with an external agency, social services etc will people be able to be paid in a different way.

BigAunty

sammyjammy wrote: »

not strictly true, people will be expected to learn to budget and manage their money monthly, like most in work do. Only the vulnerable and where it has been agreed with an external agency, social services etc will people be able to be paid in a different way.

An exemption was made for Northern Ireland claimants, I believe.

benefitbaby

GordonJBennett wrote: »

when I worked with DWP ESA New Claims I was constantly arranging payments or directing clients to Crisis Loans, no-one was left with no money, ever

This overlooks the fact that crisis loans are being abolished (as are budgeting loans and community care grants) and local council's are required to come up with their own 'local assistance schemes' most councils are saying this will be in the form of vouchers e.g. foodbanks rather than cash.

To answer the specific OP's question... where it appears that the claimant will be entitled to UC the DWP will be able to make an benefit advance. This rule currently exists (called interim payments) but you would be hard pressed to find a contact centre staff member who knows this, which is why most are sent to make crisis loan claims which in turn drains the social fund budget.

princessdon

feelthelove wrote: »

sorry to gatecrash this thread, but i don't know how to start a new thread with my query.

Hubby is self employed , works 4 days but the business is only making £50 a week, he has found another job to work along side his business its 20 hours a week , we receive tax credits , but how will this affect us when universal credits starts , he phoned tax credits and told them about the job and at the moment the tax credits isn't affected ,but we are wondring if anyone knows if it will affect us in April when universal credits kicks in.

thank you

If your children are over 5 you would BOTH have to seek work at 35 hrs per week NMW. If child is under 13 1 can restrict to school hours, other needs to get 35 hours at NMW.

benefitbaby

feelthelove wrote: »

sorry to gatecrash this thread, but i don't know how to start a new thread with my query.

Hubby is self employed , works 4 days but the business is only making £50 a week, he has found another job to work along side his business its 20 hours a week , we receive tax credits , but how will this affect us when universal credits starts , he phoned tax credits and told them about the job and at the moment the tax credits isn't affected ,but we are wondring if anyone knows if it will affect us in April when universal credits kicks in.

thank you

But remember it will not affect you in April... UC is not being rolled out nationally until October and even then it will be in a phased process. The DWP have stated clearly that at the point at which you are transitioned to UC you will not receive less than currently received in benefits and may therefore receive transitional protection until such time as your circumstances change e.g. a sustained rise or drop in income, an increase/decrease of family members etc.

princessdon

feelthelove wrote: »

we don't have any children both grown up left home , its just us .

Then you both need to work 35 hours a week at NMW unless disabilities. Both would sign on and seek work conditionality if you want benefits like housing or tax credits.

Once live (a bit of breathing space) yet.

benefitbaby

feelthelove wrote: »

not sure if that's right to be honest . We don't sign on husband has had his business since 2005 and the recession has forced him to take a job, i originally applied for the job but i couldn't take it as it cleaning men's showers .

Unfortunately the comment was right, if a self employed person is not working 35 hours a week for the equivalent of 35xNMW then they would be required to enter into a jobseeking agreement in order to continue receiving benefit.

princessdon

feelthelove wrote: »

not sure if that's right to be honest .

It is

As a couple with no children you'd need to bring in 2 x NMW of 35 hours £420 pw to be exempt from conditionality. If placed in conditionality each person needs to contribute to either hours or income.

There is leeway for new businesses - you are outside of that if already operating.