How does universal credit payment work?

Tanz764

How does universal credit payment work? So you get a sum of money each month right? Do you have to pay back all the money you've received when you get a job?
Also, Is there anything I need to know about taxes or anything like that, that will affect me?
And if anyone's on universal credit right now, what's the experience like, and what do you have to do whilst getting universal credit?

Thanks in advance

Spoonie_Turtle

For earnings, they take off 63p for every £1 earned. If you have a work allowance (if you have a child/ren or limited capability for work) then you can earn up to that threshold before they take anything off.

They also take off some other forms of income, £1 for £1 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/check-how-much-universal-credit-youll-get/

I don't know about taxes, sorry.

My own short UC experience so far has been mixed but ultimately positive, however I live with my parents so I've never been in danger of starving or losing my home when I had to fight to get my first payment, and won't be however long it takes for them to assess me and make the right decision about my capability for work (i.e. none). My work coach has been great and agreed minimal commitments appropriate for my health, only requiring appointments when absolutely necessary. If I had different circumstances it may well have been more stressful; I'm just grateful that I'm very fortunate not to have to *worry* about anything for now.

[Deleted User]

Tanz764 wrote: »

How does universal credit payment work? So you get a sum of money each month right? Do you have to pay back all the money you've received when you get a job?
Also, Is there anything I need to know about taxes or anything like that, that will affect me?
And if anyone's on universal credit right now, what's the experience like, and what do you have to do whilst getting universal credit?

Thanks in advance

All you pay back is any advance payment. Your standard monthly payments are for you to live off and don't get repaid.

tacpot12

What you have to do while claiming UC will depend on your circumstances. If you have children, or are ill or already work part-time, you will be asked to do less in terms of finding a job.

tomtom256

As _Shel says, UC is calculated on a monthly basis for the sake of arguing and usually the day after your asessment period ends, as such you will/should only receive what you are entitled too.

If you have any income, earned or unearned your benefit wil be recalculated at the end of the AP and the correct amount(s) being paid on your normal pay date.

If your earnings nil your award your claim is closed, but you can re-open it from your avvount, if think that you won't be a nil award the following AP.

calcotti

Tanz764 wrote: »

...Is there anything I need to know about taxes...

UC is not taxable income.

If you receive a tax refund while on UC it is treated as earnings and a 63% deduction made from your UC award if the refund relates to a tax year during which you did any work.

Tanz764

Can I ask if you're working currently or just agreed to look for and take work? Are you applying for jobs?
Also what health conditions do you have? Does that mean you only go in for appointments sometimes and not every week?

poppy12345

Tanz764 wrote: »

Can I ask if you're working currently or just agreed to look for and take work? Are you applying for jobs?
Also what health conditions do you have? Does that mean you only go in for appointments sometimes and not every week?

As this is your thread, who are you asking the questions to?

Tanz764

Oh so the monthly payments are for me to keep and not pay it back and there's no interest or anything at all?

calcotti

Tanz764 wrote: »

Oh so the monthly payments are for me to keep and not pay it back and there's no interest or anything at all?

Correct, as explained in previous responses. It’s a benefit.

Tanz764

Spoonie_Turtle wrote: »

For earnings, they take off 63p for every £1 earned. If you have a work allowance (if you have a child/ren or limited capability for work) then you can earn up to that threshold before they take anything off.

They also take off some other forms of income, £1 for £1
I don't know about taxes, sorry.

My own short UC experience so far has been mixed but ultimately positive, however I live with my parents so I've never been in danger of starving or losing my home when I had to fight to get my first payment, and won't be however long it takes for them to assess me and make the right decision about my capability for work (i.e. none). My work coach has been great and agreed minimal commitments appropriate for my health, only requiring appointments when absolutely necessary. If I had different circumstances it may well have been more stressful; I'm just grateful that I'm very fortunate not to have to *worry* about anything for now.

Can I ask if you're working currently or just agreed to look for and take work? Are you applying for jobs?
Also what health conditions do you have? Does that mean you only go in for appointments sometimes and not every week?