Universal credit entitlement

Fraise70 · 27 March at 8:51PM

Hello,

I have an initial UC appointment on 7th April and i'm not sure where I stand in terms of entitlement.

I resigned from a full time job in December 2023 due to ill health and have been living from small savings, family support and a very occasional part time role which pays minimal amounts.

I need to cover rent and all bills without having any income so pinning my hopes on a UC claim until I can find more work, which will potentially be part time due to a spinal issue that my require surgery.

Can anyone advise on if i'll be entitled to UC having resigned from a full time job but still employed on a freelance and very part time basis for the same employer. I have no savings.

Thanks in advance

Spoonie_Turtle · 27 March at 9:14PM

What date in December did you resign, and what date did you submit your UC claim? I'm just thinking whether there's any possibility you'll have to defend yourself against a sanction, which should be easily done if need be but it's just hassle you could do without. If it's 91 days between resigning and opening your UC claim then it won't be a problem anyway.

Have you put your details into benefit calculators?

Have you reported your health condition and do you have a fit note (as that's the only form of medical evidence they accept, in reality)?

UC is based on income received during each assessment period so if you have no earnings there won't be anything to deduct from the UC payment. Whether they require you to search for (more) work will depend on how your health condition is viewed; if you have a fit note (which can say you're not fit for work, or it can say you can do some work but only if specified accommodations/restrictions are in place) then your work coach should use their discretion to turn off work search requirements while you await a work capability assessment.

When you mention about being freelance you'll need to make it clear it's on an employed basis (per your post), not self-employed.