Universal credit
Hi girls! Does anybody know how universal credit works? I work full time ( I separated from my partner before I knew I was pregnant and I wasn’t entitled to anything ) however when I go on mat leave I won’t even be able to afford my rent - how and when do you go about applying for it I go on mat leave in April
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It depends on what version of Mat leave you’ll get. If it’s Statutory then it’s treated as wages and deducted 55p for every £ you earn.
You also get a work allowance which is a different amount depending on if you rent or not but that will only kick in if you already have children, when your child is born or if you have LCW/LCWRA on your claim otherwise you won’t get any wages disregarded and the 55p for every £ you earn that they deduct will start from the first £.
If you have to do Maternity Allowance then it’s taken £ for £ from your UC entitlement so usually wipes it out depending on what elements you’re entitled to.
It’s all going up in April so you may get something but if it’s just you on normal single element you’ll probably not be entitled to anything unfortunately but if you’re renting you might get something.
To calculate your entitlement you’d need
Age
Single or joint claim
Private or social housing (if private search your LHA rate for your area, also find out your bedroom entitlement)
Any rent free weeks
Children (ages and sex)
Wages (net payment, how often paid)
If you use the entitled to calculator it will tell you how much you can get x
Soon as you go on maternity you should tell UC about the change and they should help cover your rent.
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