Why am I now getting zero payments every month?

ems73xxx

I started claiming UC in Jan '23 and would receive a payment every month but no housing element (I had to pay full rent which was a struggle) however, since April this year I haven't received ANY payment, and they've been paying £390 towards my rent which goes directly to my landlord! I earn approximately £893 a month after tax which is now all I have to live on. My daughter also claims UC but our claims were made separately, I'm just curious to know why I'm no longer receiving any UC as a payment each month, I've done benefit calculators and they've said I should be getting at least the basic element.

chiarieds

Hi @ems73xxx - & welcome to the community. You're correct in that yours & your daughter's UC claims are completely separate. However, 55p is deducted from your UC for every £1 you earn, so, with the example you give, that would be £893 x .55 = £491.15 which would be deducted.

If you have a disability, then as you get help with your rent, you can earn £404 a month (after expenses) before your UC is reduced by 55p for every pound over this amount, so, £893 - £404 = £489 x .55 = £268.95 which will be deducted from your UC (again using the example you've given).

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-wages-affect-your-payments

poppy123456

More information is needed to be able to advise you. Is this a single claim or with a partner? Are there any dependant children on your claim? Do you have a health condition that limits your capability to work? If so have you been through the work capability assessment?

Can you please also tell me what elements are included with your UC? A benefits calculator is only as good as the information you put into them.