Universal credit and house benefit whilst on maternity leave

[DianaL]

Thanks everyone for any advice.
I’ll have 1 month paid leave, after baby due- I’ll have my maternity payments.
Im living in rented accommodation ( room in shared house).
when is the best time to apply for UC and house benefit? (What max amount of incomings (maternity payment) acceptable? ( as single parent)

Universal Credit starts by working out how much the rules say you need to live on. Assuming you're over 25 that will be a Standard Allowance of £393.45, a Child Element of £287.92 plus a Housing Costs Element based on your rent.

You'll get a Work Allowance money - you keep before it affects UC - of £404. Every £1 over that reduces UC payable by 55p.

Try using one of the calculators such as turn2us.org.uk or entitledto.co.uk.

Assuming this is a new claim the Help to Claim service operated by Citizens Advice is a good source of information/help.