switching from usual benefits to UC - advice please

Alice_Holt

lauram25 wrote: »

I receive hb 2 weekly at the minute
Wages weekly
Tax credits weekly

Then I do think you need to consider cashflow very carefully.
It is worth charting out future cashflow (with final HB and TC payment dates and amounts) to check that claiming UC wouldn't cause financial hardship in the immediate period before any UC is paid.

calcotti

If your wages are paid weekly, even if they remain the same, you will receive varying amounts of UC. You will get two months of an amount based on receiving 4 weekly payments but every third month you will get less UC because you will get 5 weekly wage payments within the month. This will not affect the total you receive over the year but will disrupt your cash flow.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles

NedS

Alice_Holt wrote: »

A further complication is that the UC housing element is not itemised to show how it has been calculated. Establishing if the correct amount has been paid, is even more difficult than HB - and requires a detailed knowledge of LHA's, room allowances, etc to work backwards to check the DWP calculation.

Following changes to information provided on the statement, the housing element is now broken down with more information provided such as deductions for non-dependent adults or extra bedrooms.

calcotti

NedS wrote: »

Following changes to information provided on the statement, the housing element is now broken down with more information provided such as deductions for non-dependent adults or extra bedrooms.

That's good, wasn't aware that this had happened. I know it was an issue previously highlighted by CPAG and others.