To wonder why I can't claim Universal credit?

[Walkinginthemoonlight]

I'm single, 57, and I've been working 30 hours a week in retail for quite some time.
My contracted hours are 18, and over time has taken my hours to 30.

Now however, all overtime has been stopped for all staff and so I applied for Universal credit to try and help me out. I don't have savings over £6,000, but my Son (who is a full time student but working part time) was living with me when I applied.

I do own my own home outright, but I've read that this isn't taken into account as capital if it's the home you're living in. Considering I'm on minimum wage, I can't understand how my low income doesn't qualify me for any help when even couples can claim UC apparently.

I'm just wondering how little an income people have to actually earn to be able to qualify for help. Btw, I've been constantly looking for other jobs too, but I think my age could be putting would be employers off. Could it be the fact that my son was living me (he's just moved into his own place now) affected the outcome of M6 application?

B&Q used to be good, not so much anymore. Experience isn't valued in the same way as it was, kids are easier to stick on a till and use technology. They do pay a flat rate across all ages, its a good one for kids as they get paid adult rate. Again, short contracted hours with 'flex'. It reduces costs if they only have to pay holiday pay for part timer but get more hours. Cut overtime at a moments notice. Retail is notorious for this kind of thing.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Apply in hotels, warehouses or kitchen op. There are always jobs in garden centres too

A laundry lady job in a care home is the sweetest little and well paid if you do 40 h - you will get above 2000 pounds and will be able to save, travel etc

Is there anything suitable on your local council. There’s lots of older staff working in local govt.

The nit-picker is also wrong. Housing benefit is very much alive and kicking and is paid by local authorities, it is a benefit for pensioners who qualify for help with their rent.

The people who get high amounts of UC are those with disabilities or children.

Its not there to top up part time work. The expectation is you'll seek more work to top up your income.

OP, a friend of mine was in a similar situation and needed a second job that was flexible with hours/days etc. as her supermarket hours were variable.

She now works for a local care Agency who care for people in their own homes. The pay isn't brilliant to be fair, but they need workers from breakfast to bedtime, so she manages to gets plenty of hours to fit round her supermarket shifts.

Obviously this depends on you having a good care provider in your area.

She enjoys it and says sometimes she is doing personal care, assisting with showers etc., but often it's domestic or companionship. One day recently she walked a dog for a client, played cards with another one, took another to the garden centre and finished off doing a jigsaw with the last one.

It's something to consider.

Generous for those who know how to play the system. Forgive me if I sound cynical but that has been my observation.

You should think more of a lodger. The right fit can really improve your quality of life. The £625pcm they bring in doesn’t count as income for UC and isn’t taxed.