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Original poster

Universal Credit question

2 replies

Tecmother1980 · 02/04/2024 15:05

Hi everyone

Never really posted before and just look for some advice if that's ok.

My other half,I and my 6 year old live together

My other half is going through bad problems at work with his boss and it's really affecting his mental health. He's on good money for what he does 38k a year. I'm on 8k with my part time job.

He's thinking of leaving and getting a lower paid job but we struggle financially as it is.

Our rent is £1600 so if he was to leave his job for a much lesser paid job we would have nothing.

My question is would universal credit help at all? We have never claimed it as I always thought my other half s wage was too much. But now it won't be so surely we can get some help?

I'm sorry for sounding stupid in regards to this but I don't understand the wage thresholds etc.

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 02/04/2024 15:27

There's no such thing as a stupid question.

Universal Credit calculation will comprise an amount for living expenses for you as a couple and another for your child. They will also pay something towards rent though this may be capped by Local Housing Allowance . Note that current LHA rates for 23/4 go up shortly as they're properly re-valorised for the first time since the pandemic.

I think you would probably be entitled to UC on a lower wage and indeed, depending on what you can get towards rent, as you are now.

You can use a calculator such as Turn 2 Us or Entitled To to get an estimate. The help to claim service on 0800 144 8 444 is also a good source of advice.

Leaving work voluntarily, or reducing hours, can be an issue but if he can show a good reason, like health, then I think he'll be alright.

Original poster
Tecmother1980 · 02/04/2024 15:50

Bromptotoo · 02/04/2024 15:27

There's no such thing as a stupid question.

Universal Credit calculation will comprise an amount for living expenses for you as a couple and another for your child. They will also pay something towards rent though this may be capped by Local Housing Allowance . Note that current LHA rates for 23/4 go up shortly as they're properly re-valorised for the first time since the pandemic.

I think you would probably be entitled to UC on a lower wage and indeed, depending on what you can get towards rent, as you are now.

You can use a calculator such as Turn 2 Us or Entitled To to get an estimate. The help to claim service on 0800 144 8 444 is also a good source of advice.

Leaving work voluntarily, or reducing hours, can be an issue but if he can show a good reason, like health, then I think he'll be alright.

Hi Bromptotoo

Thank you for your informative reply. It appreciated.

How accurate do you think those calculators are? Only asking as when I put in my current situation it's says we could get about £600 a month! I never knew we would be entitled to anything. So thank you for the information it is so appreciated.

It's also good to know that if he does move jobs which I think he will that we will survive.

Again thank you for the info. It's actually a weight off my shoulders

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