Is this right?

Single_Dad_Still

I’m 48 years old. I’ve worked (and paid NI) since I was 16. I was made redundant 4 months ago. I’m now struggling to survive. I’m a single parent to 2 kids (20&17).  I applied for UC and received the following (attached). Is this correct? My (private) rent is £650 per month so I’m left with £320 for all other bills (council tax, gas/electric, water, food, tv license, car insurance, car tax, fuel, etc). Is this correct? Thanks

pmlindyloo

Nothing attached.  Can you copy the calculations?
Are your children in full time education/working/unemployed?

Galloglass

If you have paid NI, were you not advised to apply for new style JSA ?

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-jsa

As regards "correct" you may want to get a full benefits check either online (Turn2Us) or by a local benefits charity. What you get and what you may be entitled to, can be two different things. The rules can be confusing.

Single_Dad_Still

Sorry, had to delete the picture as it had personal details on. Basically I’m in receipt of an army pension which pays 970 a month so my entitlement to UC is 0. 

Single_Dad_Still

Icequeen1

It doesn't look like they have included any rent in your award? But the army pension as other income, comes off £1 for £1 unfortunately. 

IQ

Single_Dad_Still

Thank you IQ...I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon so wanted to check my facts before I attended...though I don’t think I’ll bother attending (despite the threat of sanctions!!!)

calcotti

Single_Dad_Still said:

Thank you IQ...I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon so wanted to check my facts before I attended...though I don’t think I’ll bother attending (despite the threat of sanctions!!!)

If your rent of £650 is included your maximum UC entitlement will be £1244.90/month which will leave you an amount payable of £274.61/month. However you may not be able to have your full rent included, it is limited by the Local Housing Allowance. You can check the rate for your post code here https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk

Obviously if you don't attend your claim will be stopped and you will get nothing. Depends how much you need this income.

Note that once your 20 year old turns 21 there will be Housing Costs Contribution  reduction of £73.89 per month.

calcotti

Galloglass said:

If you have paid NI, were you not advised to apply for new style JSA ?

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-jsa

As regards "correct" you may want to get a full benefits check either online (Turn2Us) or by a local benefits charity. What you get and what you may be entitled to, can be two different things. The rules can be confusing.

Unfortunately, now we know OP has pension income of £970/month, new style JSA is not an option because there will be no entitlement. Any pension income over £50/week is deducted from the JSA which, in this case, will bring it to nil.

Single_Dad_Still

Hi calcotti, thank you. I wasn’t aware that was the maximum I would be entitled to. As it happens I’m not entitled to housing costs (unfortunately for my lovely landlord who I will have to let down next month). It’s not so much the “what am I entitled to” but more what other “benefits” being in receipt of UC bring. 

Galloglass

Single_Dad_Still said:

Hi calcotti, thank you. I wasn’t aware that was the maximum I would be entitled to. As it happens I’m not entitled to housing costs (unfortunately for my lovely landlord who I will have to let down next month). It’s not so much the “what am I entitled to” but more what other “benefits” being in receipt of UC bring. 

Possibly council tax reduction depending on the local authority scheme. Possibly different tariffs for Electricity, Gas and Water. Local charities will be able to advise local schemes. 

You still might want to have the rent looked at. It will depend on what type of commercial arrangement you have.