Can I claim Universal credit and the 80%

[Thenthatsthatthen]

Me and DP both work in hospitality so money if a huge concern right now. I’m contracted for 10 hours a week but tend to work around 25. There’s no confirmation from my company as to how the 80% will be calculated-from our contracts, which screw a lot of us over as we’re on either zero hour or very low hour contracts so pay will be minimal or if our average hours actually worked.

So worst case scenario if it’s based off my actual contracted hours I will be being paid less than £100 a week. This doesn’t cover my share of the bills. Will I be allowed to claim Universal Credit as well? Google isn’t clear

Have you looked on the Gateway site? (not sure if it will be up there yet but more chance then google.)

There’s no clarity from the government yet; that’s why your company haven’t sent you any info. Moneybox said it would be based on your wages in February, but I can’t find that information anywhere officially.

I have no idea if you’d be allowed to claim both UC & the 80%. I presume you could if your household income is low enough; remembering that it’ll take into account whatever DP receives and any savings you have.

DP is in the same boat as me but is contracted 30 hours a week (again works 45-60 usually). If it’s contracted hours it will only just cover the rent, with nothing left for bills and stuff for DC. We need it to be based on average hours to get by, it’s awful being left in the dark like this.

UC can be claimed whether you are in work or not so you should be able to claim both. It's worth claiming asap because it can't be backdated.

www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Martin Lewis is providing some excellent, regularly updated guides:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/#ucr