Universal Credit form

[Natztastic]

Hi all,

I am going to apply for Universal credit. I have never applied for benefits before but I'm not sure about the form.

The earnings sections asks
Are you currently getting any statutory pay from your employer?

Statutory pay includes sick pay, maternity pay, paternity pay, adoption pay and shared parental pay.

So I have answered yes as I am receiving statutory maternity pay.

The next bit asks how many hours I work in a week and how much I usually earn.

At the moment as I am on maternity leave I am working 0 and only receiving my SMP. How do I answer this question, as my pre-baby hours and earnings? If so how do they know I need help?

Thanks!
Natalie

I would put your normal working hours down and then put the smp amount as what you are earning. They will automatically get the smp declared through HMRC so will know exactly what you are earning. Once your application is submitted, you can just write a message on your journal to clarify things if you want to.