Universal credit

[RainbowHair]

Freaking out a bit

We got moved from tax credits to universal credit at the start of the year.
We both work, however we don't earn a lot, so rely on UC for childcare and rent.
Because of last months bank holiday, partner was paid later than usual and so last months and this month's wages fell into the same assessment period so now we are only going to be getting £200 meaning we are totally screwed. I've already called up but they said that's the way UC works.

Has anyone else has this happen? Is there anything I can do? Please help

Yes this is the way it works. Is he paid 4 weekly or is he paid monthly? If he is paid monthly then you should have an assessment period either before or after this one with no wages payment in it so it will balance out. If he is paid 4 weekly there will be one assessment period every year when this will happen, and it won't balance out.

There is something called a budgeting advance but it sounds like you would earn too much for that. You could ask your local council about a discretionary housing payment to help with your rent, or if you are a housing association or council tenant just explain to the landlord and see if they will wait a month for payment as they should know about UC. It might be worth going to see citizens advice or whatever equivalent you have locally.

Yes this is the way it works unfortunately. It's not really any fault of UC , it's his employers who should have reported wages on time so that this shouldn't have happened.

Also if your partner was paid later last month surely that meant that there would have been a month where no wages fell in your assessment period meaning you would have been paid significantly more UC the month before ?? This would have been the case if paid monthly .Its helpful to plot pay days and assessment periods and it's relatively easy to work out what Uc you should get based on that so if you did get significantly more one month then you can put some away for the month you get less.

Hi all. I am concerned that my 9 months maternity pay is soon finishing and we won't be able to cope with all the bills and the @mortgage. Not to mention that I've got no option for childcare on my return to work. I won't earn enough to cover for nursery fees and travel, plus groceries. Any advice on these matters? Please help!

IngridF - do you currently claim any benefits? If you can't go back to work then you would need to claim Universal credit or go back to work and claim help with childcare from UC. If you currently get Uc then that will increase a little when your smp stops.

Babyroobs, I don't qualify for any type of benefits. It's not taking into account all the expenses we've got in a month, that we are left with nothing after we pay all bills, mortgage etc. When Smp finishes, we're going to be in a very tight situation. Therefore it would be great if I could get any advice regarding my current situation. As I see it, going back to work will be impossible on a full time basis, I need a work from home option. Any ideas? Thank you

This happened to me! My partner gets paid 4 weekly and in April they counted it as 2 wages. We where due about £800 and got zero. It apparently happens once a year to those who are paid 4 weekly. We really struggles as I only got half a wage and had £800 nursery fees to pay.

Yes this is the case. Currently being challenged in court. No comfort to you just now though I know.