Universal credit information

sammyjammy

joanne79 wrote: »

Hi I was talking with my sister earlier who when moved down here was classed as a vulnerable adult. I'm just wondering if there will be such a thing with the universal credit ? Isn't that asking for trouble? I mean if you have an addict of any sort who is paid there universal credit are they really going to go and pay there rent themselves ?? Or will it be used to fund addiction? It could lead to A LOT of problems....was just wondering that was all

Those classed as vulnerable adults will still be protected and their HB element can be paid direct to landlord. it is not up to the individual to class themselves as vulnerable though.

zagfles

Nologo wrote: »

What are the new disgregards please?

I am trying to find out if earning about £200wk will reduce my housing beenfit?

They're in the regulations, see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111531938/contents

Section 22 is the "work allowance" (disregards), section 36 gives the amounts of the elements.

The disregard is called a "work allowance" as it only applies to earned income, unearned income is chopped off the award pound for pound.

Note the amounts are monthly amounts. If you claim housing costs then the lower "work allowance" is used. Earning £200pw will definitely taper the award, but remember the award includes the "JSA" element too. You'll very likely be better off under UC if you claim HB/LHA now, unless you have unearned income.

Yellow_JoJo

Does anyone know if there will be a gradual process to transfer people from weekly/fortnightly payments over to monthly ones or will people be expected to just manage?

zagfles

Yellow_JoJo wrote: »

Does anyone know if there will be a gradual process to transfer people from weekly/fortnightly payments over to monthly ones or will people be expected to just manage?

I think there's some transitional facility, it's probably in the regulations somewhere.

chelle_bell

Yellow_JoJo wrote: »

Does anyone know if there will be a gradual process to transfer people from weekly/fortnightly payments over to monthly ones or will people be expected to just manage?

I think at the moment they are planning on just tranferring people, personally I would assume that is the case and make provisions just incase. If it doesn't happen that way, even better!

anniemac1973

Please excuse my ignorance but i like many of the people i work with are extremely worried and confused as to whats gonna happen to tax credits when Universal Credits is introduced.I previously posted that i worked part time as a learning support assistant in the local primary school working 16 hours.My husband is disabled after work accident and we have 3 teenage children all in full time education.I now work 28 hours per week at a rate of £7.34 hour.My husband gets DLA low rate care and high rate motorbility. I get child tax credits and working tax credits.Am i right in what i've been told that i wont get any tax credits unless im working full time or 35 hours? We live in the North east of England.Any knowledge would be greatfully appreciated.

zagfles

anniemac1973 wrote: »

Please excuse my ignorance but i like many of the people i work with are extremely worried and confused as to whats gonna happen to tax credits when Universal Credits is introduced.I previously posted that i worked part time as a learning support assistant in the local primary school working 16 hours.My husband is disabled after work accident and we have 3 teenage children all in full time education.I now work 28 hours per week at a rate of £7.34 hour.My husband gets DLA low rate care and high rate motorbility. I get child tax credits and working tax credits.Am i right in what i've been told that i wont get any tax credits unless im working full time or 35 hours? We live in the North east of England.Any knowledge would be greatfully appreciated.

No. There's a lot of rubbish being pedalled about UC. It's not like WTC where there is a requirement to work to get it. There is conditionality such as being expected to seek work or more work which pays at least a certain number of hours times the NMW. The number of hours depends on circumstances, eg if your OH is unfit for work or looking after the children, the hours may be less than 35 depending on the age of the children. But you're very close to 35xNMW anyway.

anniemac1973

Thank you for such a swift response. My husband is currently unfit for work.I am constantly asking the Head teacher for more hours so hopefully will be full time when it is implemented.

dori2o

Isn't there some sort of transitional payment for those who will see their payments of UC being paid at a lesser compared to what they currently get on WTC/CTC?

I thought I read for those who have no changes in circumstances, but will receive less under UC than they did with WTC/CTC, those people will receive a transitional benefit until such time as their circumstances change, OR UC increases to a level which matches their old payments?

zagfles

dori2o wrote: »

Isn't there some sort of transitional payment for those who will see their payments of UC being paid at a lesser compared to what they currently get on WTC/CTC?

I thought I read for those who have no changes in circumstances, but will receive less under UC than they did with WTC/CTC, those people will receive a transitional benefit until such time as their circumstances change, OR UC increases to a level which matches their old payments?

Yes, that's a good summary.