Universal Credit provides a standard rate that every successful claimant receives but certain people may be eligible for hundreds more
Universal Credit offers a standard rate for every successful claimant, referred to as the standard allowance. This ranges from £316.98 monthly for single people under 25 to £628.10 each month for couples where at least one person is 25 or older.
However, the assistance extends beyond this as it also delivers extra help for those who might be experiencing additional financial pressure. Specifically those with housing, caring or parental duties, or disabilities.
Each of these components are means-tested like the primary benefit itself, though some aren’t automatic so you’ll need to inform the DWP when you qualify to receive the additional assistance. Turn2Us stressed that no extra element is protected from reductions either so penalties can be applied to each and every supplement as well.
Carers
The carer’s element provides £201.68 monthly if you deliver care for a minimum of 35 hours weekly and the person you support receives one of the qualifying benefits. You don’t need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to qualify for this component but your income will impact how much you’re entitled to.
Nevertheless, earning a particular sum of money beyond your caring responsibilities won’t stop you from claiming it like it does with Carer’s Allowance. The specialists cautioned however: “Getting the Carer’s Element of Universal Credit might affect the benefits of the person you care for. It might mean they lose their entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium.”
Children
Successful Universal Credit claimants who are responsible for a child or a qualifying young person that normally lives with them may be able to get the child element on top of their standard payment. If the first child was born before 6 April 2017, they could receive £339 per month.
If the first child was born after this date, they might be entitled to £292.81 per month and the second child or any other eligible children can add £292.81 per child to this payment. This add-on also has a different rate for parents of disabled children.
The child disability element provides £158.76 on the lower rate and £495.87 on the higher rate. More eligibility criteria for this can be found on Gov.uk.
Childcare costs
If both you and your partner are working and need to pay for childcare, you may be entitled to the childcare element which allows parents to claim back up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs. Your child must be with a registered provider in order to qualify but this support can extend across childminders, breakfast clubs, nurseries and holiday clubs.
The amount you can get from this element is capped at £1,031.88 for one child and £1,768.94 for two or more children per month. You will also need to pay the childcare costs upfront and then claim the money back rather than receiving it ahead of the bill.
Housing
The housing component can cover rent or service charges for your home if you’re renting from a private landlord, local authority or housing association, or if you live in a property you own. The eligibility criteria and the amount of support you can receive will vary depending on your living circumstances, details of which can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Disabilities or health conditions
Known as the limited capability for work element, this additional payment can provide up to £423.27 extra per month. Typically, you’ll need to complete a work capability assessment to determine your eligibility for this element and the appropriate rate.
You might also have to wait three assessment periods after initially submitting sick notes to your journal before the element gets added to your payments, according to Turn2Us. However, if you’re terminally ill, you could be able to access the additional money immediately.
Despite its name, you’re still allowed to work whilst receiving this element. However, the charity pointed out: “If you are doing a lot of work, this might mean the DWP will want to do another Work Capability Assessment to check whether your condition has changed.
“If you haven’t had a Work Capability Assessment yet and are earning more than £846.56 per month, you won’t be able to have a Work Capability Assessment unless you are also getting PIP, ADP, DLA, Scottish Adult DLA, Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland).”