Universal Credit said I can't get anything?! Even though we are earning little to no money.

Jeremy535897

Most people who find themselves claiming for the first time, because suddenly they are struggling to pay bills, quite understandably start a claim online before realising all the consequences (one of the most important being a permanent loss of tax credits). It would be a good idea if the first screen issued warnings for this and also your problem, before counting as starting a claim. Remember you can apply for an advance.

poppy12345

MikeyPetrice said:

Jeremy535897 said:

MikeyPetrice said:

Thanks for the replies.
Thank you for explaining this to me, as we weren't sure how universal credit worked before we applied for this. It's a shame they don't tell you about these assessment periods when you first apply. We do feel a bit cheated, however if that how it works nothing can be done about it. We feel discriminated against because of the date i get paid. 

People who are just about to start a claim for UC are advised to do it just after a wage comes in, rather than just before.

  It looks like if we would of applied one day later, we would of received universal credit. 

Quite possible yes but that will totally depend on your maximum entitlement for your circumstances.

calcotti

Poster_586329 said:

It will never be as much to compensate for the month of not receiving anything!

That's not necessarily the case. You can end up getting more UC in these circumstances. For example:

Say the maximum UC entitlement is £1200 and assuming a Work Allowance of £512 (if no housing element to pay)

Scenario 1 

Month 1 UC income is £1800. the earnings deduction is therefore £811.44. UC payable = £388.56

Month 2 UC income is £1800. the earnings deduction is therefore £811.44. UC payable = £388.56

Total UC payable over the two months is £777.12

Scenario 2 

Month 1 UC income is £2700. the earnings deduction is therefore £1378.44. UC payable = £NIL

Month 2 UC income is £900. the earnings deduction is therefore £244.44. UC payable = £995.56

The overall earnings are the same but the total UC payable over the two months is £955.56 which is actually a gain of £178.44.

Whether you end up with an overall gain or loss will depend on how the numbers work for you. 

ssdkck

Mikey Petrice, your not alone. Your story is the same as mine. Same assesment period, same pay day, received 2 wages in my assesment period so wasnt entitled to any uc. Looking at dates i should receive a payment next month but the following month I will be in the same boat again with receiving 2 wages in 1 month. It does seem very unfair. Wished I was a bit more clued up on claiming benefits.  I think your only option it to ask for an advance. If they can offer you one on application then they should be able to offer you one now. 

poppy12345

ssdkck said:

 I think your only option it to ask for an advance. If they can offer you one on application then they should be able to offer you one now. 

It's unlikely that any advance payment would be given now. For the budgeting advance you need to be claiming certain benefits for at least 6 months and have earnings of less than £3,600 for couples in 6 months. https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/other-financial-support

TheShape

poppy12345 said:

ssdkck said:

 I think your only option it to ask for an advance. If they can offer you one on application then they should be able to offer you one now. 

It's unlikely that any advance payment would be given now. For the budgeting advance you need to be claiming certain benefits for at least 6 months and have earnings of less than £3,600 for couples in 6 months. https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/other-financial-support

You can now (temporarily?) apply for a new claim advance until the end of the second assessment period.

calcotti

TheShape said: You can now (temporarily?) apply for a new claim advance until the end of the second assessment period.

That would be useful. Do you have a link to anything confirming that?