Need advice please

Liz13

OK so recently I've been made to stop working (hopefully temporarily but won't know until the hospital do their tests and whatnot) anyway.. currently only getting £343 a month in ssp. My partner that I live with is working full time and earns a decent wage (for maybe one person) so we applied to UC and PIP.  We had our first UC statement through today and they used what I was paid in October instead of this months pay for their calculation, however in October I also had OSP so earned my full wage. So we are left with a 0 payment from UC and are really going to struggle with rent and food this month. Also still waiting on a decision from PIP. Is there anything else I can claim or do in the meantime?

Thanks in advance

poppy123456

What date did you first claim UC and when did you receive your earnings from work? UC is based on earnings received during your assessment period.
Did you use a benefits calculator before claiming UC? Whether there’s any entitlement will depend on your circumstances for yourself and your partner. 

calcotti

Your UC is based on money received within the assessment period.

Unfortunately PIP claims take several or even many months to be processed.

Although it doesn't affect your immediate concern, just wanted to check, have you reported your health condition as part of your UC claim supported by a Fit Note. If so, you should be referred for a Work Capability Assessment at day 29. If this doesn't happen you should chase it up through your UC journal.

Liz13

So now it's my understanding that because I've been paid in the assessment period where its my last pay this UC payment will be 0 but next month the assessment period will have this month's pay in and shall only be the SSP? So its going to run a month behind? I'm so worried about rent this month and might have to use a food bank but not sure where there is one or how to go about it?? Thank you for your responses very helpful 👍 

calcotti

Liz13 said:

So now it's my understanding that because I've been paid in the assessment period where its my last pay this UC payment will be 0 but next month the assessment period will have this month's pay in and shall only be the SSP?

That's correct. (It's unfortunate that the UC claim page doesn't offer advice that it can be beneficial to delay claiming until after your pay day.) 

Next month you may, because of the way PAYE works, also receive a small tax refund which will also count as earnings.

Google for local food banks. Some food banks require you to be referred by an agency, their websites should explain.

Liz13

Thank you so very much for your help, I am looking up food banks as you are reading this, thanks again

Tori_Scope

I'm sorry to hear that things are so stressful for you at the moment @liz13! I'm glad poppy123456 and calcotti could be of help. 

We have a page on our website about accessing free food and food banks, which you might find helpful to read.