Universal credit query

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  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    Also that I got an ESA letter only a month or so back saying increase in payment after looking at claim again..

    Reason I asked about if I should get UC for definite.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    @Kimi87 how come it asks how much money is in account as it changes all the time like when my illness is bad and I don't go out it goes up, but goes down if I need spend more, also. Then an appeal I won and got backdated it went up again.

    Regards

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing

    UC is a means tested benefit.

    When applying they need to know how much money you have in all your bank accounts.

    If under £6k they aren't bothered.

    If over £6k they'll want to know, and also if any of that is backdated benefits (which are disregarded for one year).

    If you ever go over £6k (with disregards) you'll need to let them know at the end of your Assessment Period.

    A deduction to your award of £4.35 for every £250 over £6k and part thereof, will be made.

    Any amounts under £6k never need reporting.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering
    edited July 22

    @Kimi87Yes but it changes all the time.

    Like I said I could apply and I have 6200 then I buy something it then could go below 6000 then a week later it could go up after a payment then if I pay credit card off it then goes below 6000 again.

    Like when I won my appeal It went up a lot and I was ill and was in bed a long time then it went up, then I needed to help pay for shower for my disabled mum and dad and it went down again.

    I may need to buy a new computer soon then it will go up then a benefit payment and it will go up again.

    I've no idea about means tests.

    Is it all about what is in bank account I'm using for UC on day I make claim ?

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing
    edited July 22

    Each UC payment is based on your circumstances for the previous calender month, known as the Assessment Period.

    The dates of your AP are fixed and dependant on the date you originally apply for UC.

    So if you were over £6k on last day of Assessment Period, you would report that.

    If by the end of next AP you are under, report the change.

    If you went over during your AP but under by the end, no need to report.

    If you are over £6k when applying that has to be declared, if it later goes down that change can be reported.

    Slightly complex but benefit payments are classed as income during the AP they are received, anything unspent becoming capital in the next AP.

    Eligibility for UC as with IR ESA is means tested, based on how much capital you have.

    Capital over £6k reduces the amount of UC, capital over & 16k excludes you from UC.

    Capital is money in all bank accounts, shares, property you don't live in, premium bonds etc.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    So have to report fortnightly or weekly as I'm around that amount..

    Sounds madness.. having to report stuff each time I spend money or get a payment.

    So is am I better off withdrawing money before applying for UC. £4.30 don't seem much for each £250.

    Regards

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing
    edited July 22

    The income/capital calculation can be tricky, but as advised you only need to report relevant circumstances at most once a month, at the end of your Assessment Period.

    You are supposed to count cash at home as capital, so withdrawing money won't help and might be classed as deliberate deprevation of capital.

    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-money-savings-and-investments#reducing-your-money-savings-and-investments-on-purpose

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    It's all quite confusing but I'll have a look.

    I guess if got bills to pay.

    I will just say how much is in and accept the £4.30 per £250.

    I've never reported anything, had no idea.

    Regards

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing

    Once you have access to your UC Journal, there is a section to report necessary changes.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering
    edited July 22

    Thanks so I'm ok to claim even though still on ESA and the transition thing you said whilst a bit over the amount. I don't mind the £4.30 per £250 but will go down..t's quite anxiety provoking.

    I'm applying in a fortnight on day after as said.

    Regards

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    I guess I am I dunno.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    It's all I can do, I can't take money out as you said. I'm struggling to cope with it all.

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    @Kimi87 not sure what to do

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing

    If you are unsure about what to do, I would recommend speaking to the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service, they can support you before during and after your claim.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/contact-us-about-universal-credit/

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    Thanks, was just worried about the money side of it

    Regards

  • Tumilty
    Tumilty Online Community Member Posts: 361 Empowering

    Yes my housing association say it's ok to have more than 6 & less than 16 on ESA income based so that is a relief. Needed that help to reassure me.. @Kimi87 it's been that way a while but never told them as had no idea i needed to. They calling me back on day i apply for housing.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 7,276 Championing

    KImi sorry to jump on tumity I'm in panic mode I haven't recieved migration and I'm reading if your migrated over after 2026 be protected then reading be classed as new claimants pls do you know what's happening

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 7,276 Championing

    Also sorry again if I move over voluntary how much roughly do you lose I can't take the articles one said if don't get migrated by march 31st money just stops have to apply as new claimant

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,209 Championing

    Hi Catherine, migration letters are being sent out up until the end of September, so everyone should be migrated over well before March 31st anyway.

    If you receive the Severe Disability Premium with your ESA it's best to wait for a migration letter.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 7,276 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1051807#Comment_1051807

    Do you think thier on schedule my worry is all legacy benefits stop March 31st so what happens if you haven't recieved migration notice I called them this morning she didn't have answers for that question I'm sick with anxiety so badly sorry to jump on tumity

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