Working hours - how do I apply for UC when I am on a zero hours contract?

jumpy

Hi, I'm looking to apply for UC to top up my wages. On the application it asks for monthly wage and also weekly hours worked. The problem is I have zero hour contract so hours and wages vary each month, never the same, so what do I put down on the application form.

Thanks

Legwax

I would put 0, i.e. zero. Until you have started work and got paid then you haven't got anything to go on. Or put one if you are more comfortable. UC works by them being informed by your employer (as HMRC are involved for tax and NI), how much you have earned in your last UC assessment period, that is the official term you will keep seeing. It is a period of approximately four weeks, i.e. a month and differs for each person depending on what date you started your claim.

HMRC inform DWP how much you have earned. Then DWP work out your UC. I am on a zero hours contract and have been for a year and as my hours change monthly, I receive a different amount of UC too. Hope that helps.