Universal Credit - the very basics

reeceindie

Just moved from Tax credits to Universal Credits. 
I am single man, self-employed. 
I was told in my 'interview' that i would have to work X amount of hours or earn x amount to apply for UC. 
Fine. 
Got my first 'payment' statement which states as a single man I should be applicable for just under £400 per month. 
What I was not told at any point was that for every pound I earned it would take 55p from my credit, which left me with £0 - nothing- for this month. 
So.... I have been advised to work so much for credit -fine, happy with that- but when I do I don't get the credit. * shrugs * 
Question: Am I missing something or have i got this wrong? So, what's the point? Is there anything else I could be applying for or does anyone know how to work it -or crunch the numbers- to actually get some credit for mad luxuries like water and electricity ? As that £55+ tax credit was all i needed to get by and afford electricity and internet. 

Rubyroobs

So you're clearly earning too much to claim UC unless your transitional protection hasn't been applied?. If you have no housing costs ( rent) to pay then you will just be eligible for the standard over 25 rate ( assuming you are over 25) which is just under £400 a month as you say. Then each pound you earn reduces this by 55p. So it sounds like your earnings are cancelling out any UC? Are you declaring earnings after expenses etc ? The thing with tax credits was that they were a lot easier to earn very little self employed and still get topped up by working tax credits. Unfortunately UC is different. I guess you could see if you qualify for council tax support?
If there is a reason that earnings are low such as being limited as to how much you can work etc by health issues  then there may be other things you can look at.
You should also check whether you have had transitional protection applied to your case if you have migrated over.