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Coronavirus & universal credit
- JJ
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5 years 1 month ago #246220 by JJ
Coronavirus & universal credit was created by JJ
I'm not sure if I should be posting this on the coronavirus forum so sorry if it's the wrong one, but the query is for someone who is self employed & faces losing their livelihood due to the situation .
I have been confused as to whether they should claim ESA or UC. But I think esa is for those who have to self isolate. (Although we should all of course by staying at home now unless we are in the exception group) . So it seems that self employed generally can claim UC. But if their partner's finances are taken into account then won't this negate what they can receive as it would be means tested ? In which case there would not be any compensation for them . ? Thank you if you can help.
I have been confused as to whether they should claim ESA or UC. But I think esa is for those who have to self isolate. (Although we should all of course by staying at home now unless we are in the exception group) . So it seems that self employed generally can claim UC. But if their partner's finances are taken into account then won't this negate what they can receive as it would be means tested ? In which case there would not be any compensation for them . ? Thank you if you can help.
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5 years 1 month ago #246285 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Coronavirus & universal credit
JJ
To claim New Style ESA as a self-employed person you will have to have paid for Class 2 NI Contributions, you will need at least 50 weeks of NICs in both of the Tax Years 2017-18 and 2028-19.
If you are self-isolating because you have or believe you have the Coronavirus, you believe that you have come into contact with someone who you believe may have the virus or you are in a group that has been specifically instructed to self-isolate by the Government then you do not need a Fit Note and should be accepted as having Limited Capability for Work from the beginning of your claim.
For any other illness or disability, you will need a Fit Note from your GP.
If you are not able to meet the Contribution Conditions or you are not classed as Unfit for Work then your only option is to claim Universal Credit. UC rates have been increased by £1000 for the next 12 months.
Gordon
To claim New Style ESA as a self-employed person you will have to have paid for Class 2 NI Contributions, you will need at least 50 weeks of NICs in both of the Tax Years 2017-18 and 2028-19.
If you are self-isolating because you have or believe you have the Coronavirus, you believe that you have come into contact with someone who you believe may have the virus or you are in a group that has been specifically instructed to self-isolate by the Government then you do not need a Fit Note and should be accepted as having Limited Capability for Work from the beginning of your claim.
For any other illness or disability, you will need a Fit Note from your GP.
If you are not able to meet the Contribution Conditions or you are not classed as Unfit for Work then your only option is to claim Universal Credit. UC rates have been increased by £1000 for the next 12 months.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- JJ
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5 years 1 month ago #246303 by JJ
Replied by JJ on topic Coronavirus & universal credit
Thank you Gordon
Will the Universal Credit being claimed for this reason by means tested against a partner's Income even if the claimant has her own NI contribution record ?
Thank you
Will the Universal Credit being claimed for this reason by means tested against a partner's Income even if the claimant has her own NI contribution record ?
Thank you
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- Gordon
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5 years 1 month ago #246304 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Coronavirus & universal credit
JJ
Universal Credit is an Income Related/means-tested benefit and is claimed as a couple, this is slightly different from the rules that you might have seen for ESA(IR) so yes, your partner's income will be taken into account.
Gordon
Universal Credit is an Income Related/means-tested benefit and is claimed as a couple, this is slightly different from the rules that you might have seen for ESA(IR) so yes, your partner's income will be taken into account.
Gordon
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- JJ
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5 years 1 month ago #246309 by JJ
Replied by JJ on topic Coronavirus & universal credit
Thank you Gordon
So the government's advice for self employed people to claim universal credit may not be taking into account that this will not mean much of a financial recompense for them as an individual if they have a partner who is still able to earn or can benefit from the furlough scheme. ?
Thank you
So the government's advice for self employed people to claim universal credit may not be taking into account that this will not mean much of a financial recompense for them as an individual if they have a partner who is still able to earn or can benefit from the furlough scheme. ?
Thank you
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- Gordon
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5 years 1 month ago #246317 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Coronavirus & universal credit
JJ
There is supposed to an announcement on support for the self-employed tomorrow.
Gordon
There is supposed to an announcement on support for the self-employed tomorrow.
Gordon
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