Universal Credit

[Gwenhwyfar]

Hi everyone,
My current job will be ending soon and I haven't found another one yet. I've just been on to the entitledto website and it said that I will have to go onto Universal Credit rather than JSA and Housing Benefit which I claimed before. It estimated my entitlement at around 600 per month, which is similar to what I received on JSA and Housing Benefit. I'm single, no children.
Does this sound realistic to you? Will I be on the same amount of money? I was thinking that the point of universal credit was to cut benefits somehow, so just wanted to check.

To add further complication, I'm doing a course with a work experience element which I think means I will be working 2 hours a week and (I think) getting paid for it. How ill this affect my benefits? My main worry is administrative hassles of having to stop and start claims. Last time I was on JSA I was told I could make a quick reclaim online, but something went wrong and I had major hassles starting everything again. I once stupidly agreed to do a one day job for an agency, which caused all these problems. I've heard that it's easier to combine universal credit with working than it is JSA and a few hours' work. Can anyone confirm?

It looks like I won't have anything to worry about, but just checking.

If you're simply claiming JSA + HB then I think these are paid at the same rates under UC. The entitledto calculator is a good one, so I'm sure the figures are right. The application process for UC is a pain however and you have to wait 6 weeks for the first payment (though you can ask for an advance).

I'm assuming you're not a full time student.

Council tax reduction is separate from UC so you will need to claim this direct from the council, if you are eligible.

One of the (few) good things about UC is that it makes it easier to deal with fluctuating income. No need to stop and start claims. You need to let them know about any income each month. They then adjust your claim on a monthly basis.

In your circumstances your UC will be calculated like this... for each month:
Maximum amount (standard allowance + housing element)
LESS
63% of your earnings for the last month. It's paid monthly in arrears.

The idea is that UC is designed to give an incentive to work as income is not deducted £ for £.

Thanks Gravitas. No, I'm not a full-time student. I barely even think of myself as a part time one - it's been just an evening class up to now.
Sounds like it should be straight forward.
I better start collecting bank statements together now. That's always a stress as the Post Office takes ages to send a statement.
I should be OK for 6 weeks with the wages from my job, but I can see how people may struggle with that.