UC top up amount on zero hours

CJ123

Hi. Anyone know how much UC tops up if you don't earn much in the month and does earning over the year count?

I've been earning about £400 per week regularly since I signed up for UC based on zero hours contract, so never gave it much thought until now when there doesn't seem to be many shifts available so may not get many hours / much income in the next few months.

Is it topped up to a certain amount each month? Is previous month's earnings taken into account, ie. get less because I've earned "too much " on average.

Any info appreciated.

Craig.

calcotti

You have a maximum UC entitlement each month. If you receive no other income in that month then that maximum amount is what you receive as UC payment. The earnings taken into account each month are those received within the month. (Month here refers to your monthly UC assessment period.) Previous months have no impact.

Unless you have a Work Allowance included* £400 of earnings will have reduced your UC by £220/month (55% of the earnings). If you had no earnings your UC would be £220 higher.
---------
*A Work Allowance is included if you have been found to have Limited Capability for Work or have children included on the claim.

CJ123

If I don't earn anything how much will it be topped up to for the assessment month?

poppy12345

CJ123 said:

If I don't earn anything how much will it be topped up to for the assessment month?

You haven't given any information for anyone to be able to answer that question. How much your maximum entitlement will be will totally depend on your circumstances. For example, single, living with partner. have dependent children, do you rent or own your home etc etc. Use a benefits calculator. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=a4dee9ed-0779-42bd-9b5b-9dab1bb48c82

In a previous thread here suggests you are single. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6318642/child-benefit-payment#latest

If that's correct and you don't rent your home then your maximum UC entitlement will be £334.91 per month, if you receive no earnings in your assessment period. (New April Increase amount)

CJ123

£334.91 for the month? Yikes that's terrible.

poppy12345

Yes, if you have no rent costs and you're a single person over 25. Any earnings received during your AP will reduce that amount by 55% as advised.

CJ123

Ah ok thanks. No rent, anything for mortgage? I'm paying about £190 per month.

Rubyroobs

CJ123 said:

Ah ok thanks. No rent, anything for mortgage? I'm paying about £190 per month.

There is no specific help for mortgage on UC.

Spoonie_Turtle

Your UC statements each assessment period should be telling you what your maximum entitlement is and how much they have deducted each time for earnings.

calcotti

CJ123 said:

Ah ok thanks. No rent, anything for mortgage? I'm paying about £190 per month.

If you are on UC and have 9 months without earnings you can apply for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) but this is a government loan that has to be paid back. As soon as you earn anything you lose entitlement.

CJ123

Bit of a take but if that's the craic, so be it.