Universal Credit - surely, we're not eligible?

[fr4zzledmum]

As me and DH are starting to think about TTC for number 2, we've obviously been considering finances, in particular because I may potentially drop a day at work.

I've just been having a play around with the Entitled To calendar (as found on the gov.uk website), basing it on our full time pay, £10k savings (optimistic overestimate) but with two children. It states that we'd potentially be eligible for Universal Credit for £128.08 per week, £555.05 a month.

Surely not?! Have I done something wrong?

It's worth bearing in mind op that you can either have Universal Credit, or tax free childcare, you can't claim both, so it's worth calculating which would give you more when it comes to paying for childcare. With two kids in childcare we found that tax free childcare was better for us, as you have the full allowance per child.

Ah, I didn't know this and I do currently use the tax free childcare account. I'd definitely be better on UC, as estimated childcare costs for two kids for us would be £190, which I think would mean we'd only get £38 a week.

I thought we earnt a good wage 😂

They are low salaries and your DH doesn't even earn minimum wage so I assume he's part time?

Well, that's rude and unnecessary

What is..?

I wasn't regretting to you OP.

I think saying to somebody they are on a low salary is rude. What is to be gained from it and would anyone say that in real life to someone?

I wasn't regretting to you OP.

I think saying to somebody they are on a low salary is rude. What is to be gained from it and would anyone say that in real life to someone?

My husband and I are in our 60s but not at pension age. I am disabled so cannot work. He's off sick with a lung condition. His SSP has just finished, after 28 weeks. Our income = £380 every 4 weeks, my PIP. His private pension of £930 a MONTH. About 5k savings from another private pension. THAT'S it. We don't qualify for UC, apparently.

Is he not eligible for ESA? Might also get some council tax reduction?

I don't understand how it works. Combination of childcare and the benefits of working? It seems like a lot on top of wages otherwise.

It's a far cry from those I know of who are using food banks and applying to energy charities for help and don't have all of their rent paid. Though that's newly unemployed people (seeking work). People are struggling on it.

From what I understand
Couple over 25 - £525.72
2 kids - £289.16
No help with mortgage
-£69.60 deduction for savings.
814.88-69.60=745.28uc

Then your work allowance is £631 so for every £1 you make more than this they will deduct 55p from your total of universal credit.

1800+1500=3300

3300-631=2669
They take 55p for every £1.
Deduction of £1467.95 for wages.

So this will be £745.28-£1467.95
-722.67uc. So nothing but with childcare added you might be entitled to something.

For two childcare you're only allowed to claim back 85% up to £1630.15.

There's a Facebook page called universal credit survival which is great for advice.

It doesn't sound like you have the correct elements on the claim. One or both of you need to be assessed for limited capability for work. have or are either of you handing in sick notes - if not then report your health conditions/ disabilities straight away and wait to be assessed. If one of you is awarded LCWRA that is almost an extra £400 on your Uc claim. Your husband can also have the carers element on your claim now if you receive PIP daily living and he cares for you for 35 hours a week. Having the carers element alone may not make you eligible as the pension reduces UC pound for pound but having both these elements added would qualify you for slightly over £200 a month of UC. Alternatively now his SSP has ended he could claim new style ( contributions based ) ESA. This would likely work out better for you and be less hassle. Speak to your local CAB and ask them to check out what works best for you. Your husbands pension may be too high to get much money from ESA ( sorry I can't quite remember the calculation ) but you need a proper benefit check. Call Age UK or CAB either can do this for you.

And if your husband wouldn't get anything from ESA because of his private pension amount he could still claim carers allowance if he cares for you for 35 hours a week and you receive daily living PIP and no-one else already claim carers for you. This would give him an extra £75 a week. There are a few different options you could explore to find out what would be more beneficial for you.

Doesn't sound right

Talk to cab and make sure you are getting what you both deserve

@anotheremma can you help