Universal Credit - Eligible with Future Employment?

stig22

Hi,

Looking for some help with my eligibility for Universal Credit as my circumstances have changed quite drastically and confusingly! 

I accepted a new role (and signed a contract) a couple of months ago and handed in my notice at my current role. The dates agreed were 31st July to finish existing role and 1st August to start new role i.e. No gap at all between jobs.

However my new employer has just informed me I cannot start until 21st August meaning I am technically unemployed and not receiving pay for a period of 20 days. There is now no way to avoid this as no flexibility from my current or new employer.

My question is am I eligible for Universal Credit or some kind of income support during my period of unemployment, even though I know I have guaranteed future employment? Aware there are also other eligibility criteria around earnings/savings etc.

Any help very much appreciated!

Rubyroobs

Yes if you don't have savings over 16k you could claim Uc,  or contributions based JSA ( if savings over 16k ) depending on your situation. My son is in the same situation - accepted new job and gave up old one as the hours were ridiculous with 1.5 hours of commute each way. Now new employers are messing him around, stalling things. he is claiming New style JSA as he has no dependents or rent to pay ( lives at home). They can still ask you to work search though although they don't seem to be making my son do much for his £68 a week JSA !

poppy12345

Whether there's any entitlement to UC will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator If you claim this it will be better to wait until after you receive your final pay from the job that you're leaving.

New style JSA if you've paid the correct amount of NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. You won't be paid for the first 7 days and after this it pays £84.80/week (25 and over) The only issue with this is you'll be classed as a job seeker for both benefits, even though you're waiting to start a new job.

If you claim both together the JSA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.