UC - Would we qualify?

theruffles

I recently input our (husband and I) details into entitledto out of interest which suggested we might be able to claim Universal Credit. Beyond child benefit we don't claim anything else and I have been under the impression that we don't qualify for any other benefits.



I work full time (37 hours) and earn c£23K pa. I also work a second 0 hours role on an ad hoc basis as and when it suits (this is something that can be busier during Christmas/summer holidays but isn't consistent). My husband works part time and earns about £11K pa. We have a 1 year old child and privately rent.


I'm not sure how we would be entitled to anything else except child benefit...could anyone help explain Universal Credit and whether it might be something we could look into?

calcotti

UC entitlement would look like this.
Standard couple allowance £498.89
child element £231.67
Housing element (this is your actual rent or the Local Housing Allowance for 2 bedrooms - see https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/)
This gives a maximum monthly entitlement to UC.

From this a deduction of 63% of your joint net income less £287 (the Work Allowance) will be made.

The balance is the amount of UC payable (if any).

The above assumes you are not both aged below 25 and that any savings you have are not more than £6,000.

Whether or not you qualify for any UC depends on your allowable rent and your exact earnings. It is recalculated each month based on the income received in that month.

If you have entered the information correctly and the calculator says you have some entitlement that should be correct.

theruffles

Thank you. Our rent is £700 p/month. I think then that we might be entitled to claim UC. I'll have a look into it further as it would be helpful if we could.

Caz3121

theruffles wrote: »

Our rent is £700 p/month.

it is not your actual rent that is used in the calculations but the allowable rent (which may be lower)
if you search LHA rates for 2 bedroom properties in your area it should give you an idea of the amount used

calcotti

theruffles wrote: »

Thank you. Our rent is £700 p/month. I think then that we might be entitled to claim UC. I'll have a look into it further as it would be helpful if we could.

You need to use the link I provided to find out your Local Housing allowance and then use that to work out you entitlement, unless the LHA is higher than your rent in which case use the actual rent.