Universal credit

[onanotherday]

First time I have claimed universal credit and after reductions leaves me with £47 a week to feed and cloth myself and teen and that doesn't factor car bills and petrol . We are very rural and there is no public transport. I didn't expect to be getting much but this seems very low? Anyone able to advise?

The amount you get will depend on your personal circumstances.

There's a good explanation here for how it's calculated -

www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/new-to-universal-credit/how-much-youll-get/

You can use a benefit calculator to get an idea of whether the amount is right, although these are not infalible -

benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

One thing to look out for is if you have just had a final pay packet during the calculation period or, if you are still working, whether you have had two pay dates within the calculation period. They calculate your income from the date it is paid to you so this can sometimes cause unexpected low UC payments.

What reductions are on it ?
Unfortunately UC rates are low. Is that £47 after you've paid all bills and food?

No have no outstanding pay and that £47 after bills before food clothes and transport for 2.

Are you receiving any other income? That doesn’t sound right to me.

I have about £82 per week for me and 2 teens. That's after all bills including phones, internet, tv license. (I actually have less than that because of debts but didn't include them in my calculation as they are specific to me)

Nobody can tell you what you should be getting without knowing lots of details.

Go on your payment statement and see what it says for 'total before adjustments'. You should have a standard allowance and a child element. If you rent, there should be an amount for housing costs. If you or your child have disabilities there might be additional elements for those. Compare it with the 'understanding universal credit' link above and check that all the elements you should be entitled to are listed.

Next look underneath that at 'deductions'. Any earnings, assumed income from savings and any other income should be listed here. If you applied for an advance payment there may be a deduction towards repaying that.

Check those figures are correct.

Thanks guys I will query it.

£47 a week after bills? Which bills? If you rent there should be an amount to cover some or all of your housing costs but no other bills or transport costs.

You need to check all your elements are correct on your statement, so you should have a standard element for yourself, child elements and rent element if you rent.