Temping and universal credit

[TempNerves]

Just started doing this after a long career break for health reasons.

Enjoying the work and variety but worried about how it all works with universal credit. I'm currently in the LCWRA group not sure if I'll remain there and also get Higher rate pip both elements.

The work I am doing is manageable for me around my health conditions generally speaking, the advantage of temping is if I am not doing great I can turn down assignments.

I would love to hear from others who are or have been in a similar position.

Would really appreciate advice on the money side as I want to keep things correct with DWP but not be caught out as I have sadly experienced them messing me about and getting things wrong before and it took ages to sort out.

Thank you

Hopeful bump as not one reply as yet and I really need help.

Did calculations on Turn2us and Entitledto but got wildly different results! So now feel more confused than ever. Would like to be well prepared before talking to DWP if poss.

You might be best off contacting CAB, I don't know how it works

As you have LCWRA, you will have a work allowance so some of your earnings are disregarded. Read the bit about wages www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-wages-affect-your-payments

The rest is deducted from UC at 55 percent. As you are a temp this amount will probably fluctuate each month.

Yea I know the theory of how it should work, I was hoping to get some insight from people with lived experience

I've done calculations on Turn2us and entitled to but I am getting VERY different results on the same info on those.

I don't know at what point I lose help on council tax, nhs stuff etc too and I don't know what I'm supposed to do about that? Do HMRC/DWP let them know or do I tell them and if so how?

My council does everything online and it's confusing at the best of times and bloody murder getting through on phone help lines!

Your UC statement will have details about the earnings threshold for prescription help under extra help you could get.

Ahh that's good to know.

But at the moment there's nothing in my account other than what I've put as change of circs and journal entry.

I don't think anyone has checked it and that makes me very nervous because I don't want to end up in situation where I owe anybody money or I'm using entitlements I'm no longer entitled to.

Might try and call them after work today but would really appreciate knowing what they should be advising me beforehand? As I've experienced them getting it wrong before

Flippin hate dealing with these people!

On phone now and oh my god it's like pulling teeth!!!!

Asked SEVERAL times to specify where I am working and who for, AND for what my pay is per month despite explaining its temp work and the hours and pay vary. Arghhhhh!!!!

I can't find that on my account/journal whereabouts is this please?