Universal credit query --new application and I'm employed full time.

[Nothavingfunrightnow]

I've recently applied for UC and according to the entitlement checker, I should be successful. I was also able to ask for an advance.

If the entitlement checker indicates you may be able to claim, and if you are able to obtain an advance, is there still a chance I may be refused? I am a lone parent, work full time, I have a 15 year old child. I earn just over £32k plus my rent is nearly £1k a month.

Does it look like my claim would be granted?

I put our data in a checker, went through the faff of applying and was denied. Our household income was similar to yours, I suspect it's right on the threshold! Couldn't find an actual 'cutoff' online though so went for the interviews and everything, was a waste of time. I guess it may vary in area , single/two income household so I'd still spy and see

Thanks, Maltay. I wish it was clearer! It's scary, though, because when I requested an advance, the reply came back that I could request £1,144 as an advance! Surely they'd not offer that without being certain?! No, I did not take it!

you earn £32k and you are applying for UC? Am I missing something ?

An adviser at tax credits suggested I apply. I had not applied previously because I thought I earned too much. I take home just over 2000 and my rent plus council tax is 1040. I have a son.

I did not think I'd qualify, but the entitled to checker shows I am. Thats what I'm querying.

Yes you are missing something !! 32!K AND 1K rent... yes you will definitely qualify ..

I receive £230 per month , Earn £37570 p.a Take home £2280. So yes OP you will qualify for payment AND an advance.

UC is pretty crap for a lot of people but generous for those working full time and renting.

Thank you, Fivetilmidnight.

When ex and I were together we were told we didnt qualify for any help. We earned about that between us, have 2 dc. Rent and council tax were about 950 pcm.

... you apply on line. Take your ID to job centre along with your tenancy/proof of rent payment .

The advance is yours to take but will come out of your payment for a year . So my payment is £139 after my £90.01 payment taken out. It paid for my oil delivery for 3 months . A huge saving as usually have to buy it on the pump. As well as paying off my credit card. (Advance is interest free)

Then you were badly advised PorpetinaScamander always check the turn2us calculator rather than advisers. Always spot on.

benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

The rent element that UC will pay will depend on the local housing allowance for the number of bedrooms you are entitled to.

I did use the online calculator. That's what told me we weren't entitled to anything. Oh well. We managed without it. It was tight but we managed

Porpentina - It depends also on your ages ( couples element for under 25's is lower), the ages of your kids , and your local housing allowance. Everyone's entitlement will be different.

I know babyroobs. Was just sharing my experience of UC.

For the record both over 25, dc were pre/teens. Am in London commuter town so rent is quite high. Oh well. Whatever
Maybe we were wrongly informed. Maybe we weren't. Bit late now. A friend told me to apply anyway but we decided as a couple not to bother. Too much hassle

Ive also never, in 15 years as a mum, known the online calculator to be completely correct. It was always out by a bit when I claimed TC.

Definitely badly advised then Porpentina or entered details into calculator wrongly.
If you circs were as you say.

Income about 32k between you both
2 children under 16 no childcare
950 rent and council tax , so assume rent £800 and ct £150.. in London commuter area so assume Beds as is the cheapest to rent.. entitled to 2 bed place with 2 same sex children.

£95 per week UC. (More if live anywhere but Beds and about 30/40 more if kids are different sexes and therefore qualify for 3 beds. ) That's a lot of money to miss out on.

You weren't already getting Tax Credits or housing benefit were you ?

I was claiming TC and HB as a single parent. This was all cancelled when he moved in. Was told by TC people and online calculators that we earned too much to claim. Not in Beds but house is very cheap for the size (I pay about £15 per week less than LHA).
Probably badly advised but like I say, we managed without it and he's no longer here so I claim as a single parent again.

Just entered my details as they are currently on the calculator, the the pence, and it says I'm entitled to less than I get

Is there any chance you could be offers an advance after the calculations show you may be entitled, and the end result is you being refused? I wondered if the fact that I CAN request an advance is a good indicator that my application will be successful.