Universal Credit and Zero Hour Contracts

[BlueMoon1103]

Can someone please explain the situation with claiming UC on a zero hours contract? How does it work? What do I need to do? Online doesn’t explain it very well.

It's based on what you earn each month.

If you have children under the age of 13, it's 25 hours x minimum wage you have to earn each month (earning threshold) otherwise they will push you to work more. I believe it's 35 hours X NMW if kids are older.

This is discussed at your claimant commitment interview and there is likely some flexibility based on a person's situation (rural living, disabilities etc)

Sorry, if you have older kids, I believe it's also 25 x NMW.

Younger than school age, will be different thresholds also.

So if I earn more than minimum wage I could work less hours as long as it was still the same amount? Thank you, the whole thing is so confusing!

As long as you earn over your earnings threshold (which is dependent on your situation) then they shouldn't push you to work more hours.

Thank you! My DS is only 6 months old so it wouldn’t be 35 hours! I’m a single Mum so it’s tricky as I’m paying for all the nursery fees myself. Is there somewhere to declare all this on the online application form or can I go somewhere and get help completing it?

It's done online and quite easy to fill out. Once submitted, it'll tell you to call the UC number to arrange an interview for ID and document check.

Be careful of WHEN you apply. Applying near pay dates can cause a lot of problems.

There's some differences for children under 5. The Gov website is great at explaining this. There's a great table in section 7 that explains everything. www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-family-quick-guide/universal-credit-further-information-for-families#in-return-for-your-universal-credit

With zero hour contracts, you declare its 0 hours when you apply and they'll support you in finding more work. If you're meeting your thresholds that doesn't apply.