Universal Credit claimants may be eligible for additional financial support if they’re living in certain circumstances
Claimants who have additional strain or expenses may be entitled to more help(Image: GETTY)
Universal Credit offers a standard rate for every successful applicant, referred to as the standard allowance. This ranges from £316.98 monthly for single people under 25 to £628.10 per month for couples where at least one person is aged 25 or above.
However, the assistance extends beyond this as it also delivers additional support for those who may be experiencing extra financial pressure. Specifically those with housing, caring or parental duties, or disabilities.
All these components are means-tested like the primary benefit itself, though some are not automatic so you’ll need to inform the DWP when you become eligible to receive the extra assistance. Turn2Us stressed that no additional element is protected from deductions either so sanctions can be applied to each and every add-on as well.
Universal Credit offers a standard rate to every claimant and additional elements based on your circumstances(Image: GETTY)
Carers
The carer’s element provides £201.68 monthly if you deliver care for at least 35 hours weekly and the person you care for receives one of the qualifying benefits. You don’t need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to qualify for this element but your income will impact how much you’re entitled to.
Nevertheless, earning a particular amount of money outside of your caring responsibilities won’t stop you from claiming it like it does with Carer’s Allowance. The experts cautioned though: “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.
Parents, carers and disabled people may be entitled to more support through the Universal Credit system(Image: GETTY)
Housing
The housing element can cover rent or service charges for your home if you rent from a private landlord, local authority or housing association or if you live in a property you own. The eligibility criteria and how much support you can get will differ 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. Usually 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. But, 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 emphasised: “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).”
