The introduction of Universal Credit has been ongoing for a number of months.
It replaces six previous benefits and is intended to simplify the welfare system, according to the UK Government .
Anyone making a new claim that would have been covered by one of the old benefits is instead being put on Universal Credit.
And those already receiving the old benefits are gradually being moved across, the Birmingham Mail reports .
If you are making a claim for Universal Credit, or preparing to be moved across, how much will you receive when you apply?
Many Scots are already reporting suffering hardship and distress since the introduction, with .
Here's what you need to know to get an idea of what you'll get in Universal Credit payments.
The amount you are given is calculated according to various factors.
The Government says if you have children, a disability, or you need help paying for your rent, you may be entitled to extra amounts on top of the standard allowance.
Standard monthly allowance
Single and under 25 = £251.77
Single and 25 or over = £317.82
In a couple and you’re both under 25 = £395.20 (for you both)
In a couple and either of you are 25 or over = £498.89 (for you both)
If you have children
For your first child (if child is born before April 6, 2017) = £277.08 on top of standard allowance
For your first child (if child is born on or after April 6, 2017) = £231.67 on top of standard allowance
For your second child = £231.67 per child on top of standard allowance
If you have a disabled or severely disabled child = £126.11 or £383.86 on top of standard allowance
If you need help with childcare costs = up to 85% of your costs (up to £646.35 for one child and £1,108.04 for 2 or more children)
You only get an extra amount for more than two children if:
- you were already claiming for more than two children before April 6, 2017
- you’re renewing a claim for more than two children that stopped within the past six months
- the child or children were born as part of a multiple birth
- the child or chldren were born as a result of a non-consensual conception (including rape) or conceived when you were in a controlling or coercive relationship
- you’re responsible for a child or children (regardless of the order they joined the household) who are adopted from local authority care; in your care, either formally or informally and it’s likely they would otherwise be looked after by a local authority; a child of your child
If you're disabled or a carer
The amount you can earn through Universal Credit does change if you have a disability or health condition, or you're a carer.
If you have limited capability for work and work-related activity = £328.32 on top of standard allowance
If you have limited capability for work and you started your health-related Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim before April 3, 2017 = £126.11 on top of standard allowance
If you provide care for at least 35 hours a week for a severely disabled person who receives a disability-related benefit = £156.45 on top of standard allowance
This is on top of any extra amount you get if you have a disabled child.
How do your earnings affect your payments?
Universal Credit is also given to people on low income.
If you’re employed, how much you get will depend on your earnings.
Your Universal Credit payment will reduce as you earn more.
For every £1 you earn your payment reduces by 63p .
You can earn a certain amount before your Universal Credit is reduced if you or your partner are either responsible for a child or young person, or living with a disability.
This is a work allowance, and it is much lower if you get help with housing costs.
When will existing benefit claimants get Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is now available in all Jobcentres across the UK, so all new claims automatically go on to the new system.
Those on existing benefits are waiting to hear when they are being moved over, following a newly announced Government pilot with just 10,000 people at first, starting in July 2019.
Confusion over the Government stopping the transfer of all three million existing benefit claimants, and instead opting for a small trial group, led to many believing Universal Credit had been scrapped.
In fact, the numbers on UC will double in 2019 as existing claimants move over naturally because their circumstances have changed.
