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Universal credit - backdate claim date

lpm2008

Hello, I’m sorry if this a silly question but just wanted to double check. I started my UC claim on the 9th May. I took an advance payment to help with rent etc which is taken off future payments. My claim was meant to start earlier but due to being in hospital I only managed to start the claim on 9th but UC have agreed to back date the claim to start date of 9th April. Will that change my first payment in June? Will it be more? Can I then apply for another advance? I’m sorry I’m just so confused! Thanks

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lpm2008

I’ve read this online and it was separate to the paragraph that was about the advance.

Backdating your Universal Credit

You can apply to get a Universal Credit payment to cover up to 1 month before you started your claim - this is called 'backdating'. You’ll need a good reason for not claiming earlier - if you’re in a couple, you’ll both need a good reason. For example, this could be because:

of an illness - you’ll have to show the DWP medical evidence for this
of a disability
you weren’t told your Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was going to end
the online claims system was down, and you claimed as soon as it was working again
you've made a new claim as a single person after breaking up with your partner - check what to do if you're in this situation
you made a joint claim that ended because your partner didn’t accept the claimant commitment - you should now be claiming as a single person

calcotti

I can’t see that it makes any difference to the normal June payment. I’m not clear why you think it might.

lpm2008

Why can you backdate it then? I’m sorry I’m new to claiming benefits as my partner died a few weeks ago and I’ve had to leave work just now.

calcotti

lpm2008 said:

Why can you backdate it then? I’m sorry I’m new to claiming benefits as my partner died a few weeks ago and I’ve had to leave work just now.

The answer to that question is already contained in the previous reply posted by you. A UC claim can be backdated for a maximum of one month if there is a good reason for the delay.

If you were married or in a civil partnership you will be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment.

Is your employer paying you anything at the moment? If you are signed off sick you should at least be getting SSP.

If UC applies (and that will depend on your circumstances) you should apply as soon as possible. I think you can request backdating immediately after the claim is open.

I'm still not clear why you would think backdating would change your normal June payment.

Any backdated payment would be paid separately.

Tori_Scope

I hope that calcotti's comments have helped to clear that up for you a little @lpm2008

I'm really sorry to hear about the recent loss of your partner. Are you receiving enough support to help you through this difficult time?

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community

Please accept my sincere condolences

Are work not supporting you to have some compassionate leave

You asked if you could have another advance payment unfortunately no you can only have 1 to see you through for your first payment and this must be repaid in full before ant other loans can be granted

lpm2008

Thankyou calcotti for your help, so any backdating payments will be paid separately if they change claim start date? I’m sorry it’s my first time claiming UC and just not thinking straight sometimes.

Thankyou tori_scope

I’m getting support from Winstons wish and counselling for the children which was organised by their school. I’m doing ok. Just taking each day as it comes. I’m getting support from family and friends and grief counselling has been arranged as well for me.

lpm2008

Thankyou @janer1967 I’m off work just now on leave. It will be ongoing just now until I’m feeling better. It was very sudden in an car accident so I think shock is still very much playing a part. I think I worded my post wrong. If they backdate the claim I wasn’t sure if I would get a separate payment as citizens advice site mentions they backdate if you have a good reason and the decision maker agrees.

poppy123456

Sorry for your loss! In your first comment you said this.

lpm2008 said:

UC have agreed to back date the claim to start date of 9th April.

Then you said.

lpm2008 said:

If they backdate the claim

If a decision maker has agreed to backdate your claim then money owed is always paid separately.

Are you claiming SSP from your employer?

lpm2008

Will it still be backdated separately if I’ve also already taken an advance? Thanks

lpm2008

I’m sorry I should have double checked my post before submitting it. Yes they have agreed yesterday morning to backdating it.

poppy123456

lpm2008 said:

Will it still be backdated separately

Yes, as advised here.

poppy123456 said:

Sorry for your loss! In your first comment you said this.

lpm2008 said:

UC have agreed to back date the claim to start date of 9th April.
Then you said.

lpm2008 said:

If they backdate the claim
money owed is always paid separately.

Your advance payment will need to be repaid back, which will reduce your future payments.