UC Weekly Wage and Variable Deductions

mcc0131

Hi All,

Just curious and looking for some thoughts on this. At the start of this year we were forced to move from tax credits to UC. And I feel like I have been unfairly hammered as a result of weekly wage and this monthly recurring assesment period.

We have a joint claim and taking our LCW element aside, looking at my take home pay after deductions, it has left us some months with less money than what's realistic.

For example; this months payment is £176 less than last two months, which was the same in June too.

My actual earnings for 4 weeks is £1110, yet this months payment, the summary reports £1395 earnings being reported. Most likely because during this so called 30 day rolling assesment period there has been 5 payslips issued.

Period 06/08/2019 - 05/09/2019. I was paid 5 times, Tue 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 3rd.

However, in the real world, my take home hasn't changed, My incomings and outgoings are the same, yet we are given £176 less to cover the same assets. I really can't get my head around this.

Out of 9 payments this year 2019, 5 payments have been like this with earnings reported being higher than real world value. Only 4 payments have been actual in my opinon.

Has anyone else encountered this and got any advice to counteract it? other than changing to monthly wage, which is not possible unfortunately.

Thanks for listening.
Mel

poppy123456

Hi,

Unfortunately, because of the assessment period any earnings received during this will reduce your payments. Those the receive their pay weekly are the worst affected because it will work out that 5 times a year you'll either receive less UC or as some have experienced even a zero award.

The months were you receive less wages, you'll receive more UC.

I'm afraid for as long as you continue to receive your wages weekly then you'll always have this issue. Those that receive their money 4 weekly are also affected, just not to the extent of those that receive it weekly.

Other than ask to receive your wages monthly, then i'm afraid there's nothing you can do.

mcc0131

Thanks.

I found this which has nice visuals.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles

Nevertheless, employer said no to my request because it would apparently be too much work for them somehow.

poppy123456

You're welcome. I'm sorry i couldn't help any further. This is one of the many down falls of UC.