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Original poster

Universal credit

28 replies

UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 19:39

Recently separated. A friend advised I should apply for universal credit. I'm part time earning 1200 a month. I get child benefit and child maintenance but apparently that isn't counted towards what you're awarded. surely I earn too much to be considered?

OP posts:
Wellandtrulyoutnumbered · 02/05/2019 19:43

Depends what your housing costs are.

Look at betteroffcalculator.co.uk

Wellandtrulyoutnumbered · 02/05/2019 19:44

Do you get child tax credits?

slipperywhensparticus · 02/05/2019 19:45

Working tax if your a lone parent

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
SihtricsHorseWitnere · 02/05/2019 19:46

I wouldn't touch UC with a barge pole if I could avoid it, tbh.

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 19:47

They've said they can't help with housing costs but as I'm a single parent they'll do an assessment

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 19:48

Benefits adviser.
Do you rent or have a mortgage?
Do you have childcare costs?
You may well be eligible for UC, check a benefits calculator eg entitledto.co.uk or visit/contact Citizens Advice.

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 19:49

I have a mortgage that's 500
I have childcare costs of 160

OP posts:
Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 19:52

I've never claimed anything so I'm a bit Confused

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 19:53

You won't get help with your mortgage (£1600? Ouch!)
How many children? I expect you'll get some UC. It includes an allowance for children (what used to be Child Tax Credits) and also childcare costs (as long as you use a registered childcare provider.

Don't forget council tax, apply for the single person discount if you haven't already got it, and you may be eligible for some council tax reduction too (some councils call it council tax support).

stucknoue · 02/05/2019 19:53

You probably won't, I have a similar income, only one dc at home and uc is £0. (Would have got £3.90 a week under old rules). They did count my maintenance btw

AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 19:53

Sorry I have no idea where I got £1600 from, I'm not wearing my glasses and I've had a long day, they're my excuses Blush

AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 19:54

"They did count my maintenance btw"
Spousal maintenance is counted but child maintenance is not.

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 19:55

I've spoken to them at the centre and they don't count child maintenance or child benefit stuknoe

OP posts:
Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 20:02

anotheremma I have one child x

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 20:28

Do you have savings? Less than £6k is not counted. More than £16k and you won't be eligible for UC. Between the two, it's counted so it will affect the calculation.

If you don't have savings over £6k, it looks like you will get £291.79/month. (That's assuming you have no income other than salary, CB and child maintenance.)

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 20:32

I have no savings at all! The only income I have is what you listed. 291 quid a month seriously?!?

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 20:35

Yup Smile

AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 20:36

And as I said you should get some money of your council tax, too.

AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 20:36

money off

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 21:23

291 quid a month I'm shocked that's alot

OP posts:
greatbigwho · 02/05/2019 21:26

I'm renting, earn a touch less than you and get £600 a month UC. I couldn't survive without it!

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 21:46

bloody hellShock

OP posts:
greatbigwho · 02/05/2019 21:50

(I should have added - my rent is £1050 a month, so there's literally no way I could survive without support)

Original poster
UmEllaEllaElla · 02/05/2019 22:13

why do I feel bad about taking the money?!

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/05/2019 22:16

Don't! You'll get over it Wink