Stiop & Scrap Universal Credit - Derbyshire United Campaign Against Universal Credit

STOP AND SCRAP UNIVERSAL CREDIT A CRIME AGAINST THE PEOPLE…

FIGHT UNIVERSAL CREDIT & SANCTIONS TOGETHER! The imposition of Universal Credit, with all the obstacles put in your way, and all the threats of sanctions, is part of the Government “austerity programme” which is designed to make the rich richer at the expense of working class people.

There are more billionaires than ever… and at the same time more people on benefits, more foodbanks, more poverty. Alongside all this they cut hospitals, childcare, schools, old people’s homes, libraries, youth centres, transport…. the list goes on.

We want to stop all austerity and see a government elected that has the interests of the ordinary people at heart. If you do too, why not come and help us with it… you’d be made very welcome!

The use of sanctions against claimants has massively increased in the last few years. The government has pushed more and more sanctioning in pushing their lie that benefit claimants are scroungers that need to be punished into looking for work.

What they call the “conditionality regime” is designed to trip claimants up by making more and more demands on what counts as “actively seeking work”, more & more ways of sanctioning and stopping benefit.

But don’t blame the workers! PCS, the job centre workers union, opposes the sanction regime and the Government’s obsession with punishing benefit claimants. It has written to the DWP to ask them to stop the rollout of Universal Credit. They share the concerns of the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux that Universal Credit is creating real hardship.

Job Centre workers—many of them claimants themselves because of low pay - are put under extreme pressure to refer claimants for sanctioning and are working to expose the Government lies on targets and working with other organisations to help claimants fight back.

Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit is made up of many local Trade Union and Community Organisations working closely with each other, fighting for a People’s Britain not a Bankers Britain.

If you’d like to be part of that in some way, just get in touch…

DUCAUC stopucderby@outlook.com Derby Area Trades Union Council Derby People’s Diary Derby People’s Assembly Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre Disabled People Against Cuts Indian Workers Association Leorn Welfare Rights Training Services

Morning Star Office of Chris Williamson MP SOSNHS Derby SpectrumD/Mandela Centre Stand Up To Racism UNITE Community Derby Branch

STOP AND SCRAP UNIVERSAL CREDIT A CRIME AGAINST THE PEOPLE… The way that Universal Credit is imposed on us is another example of the politics of this Tory government. Universal Credit is causing serious problems for claimants who are descending into debt, relying on food banks, getting into rent arrears and in many cases getting evicted from their homes because of in-built problems with Universal Credit. Demand for Foodbanks in this country continues to outstrip supply. Low wages, Benefit changes and sanctions are now directly responsible for nearly 70% of Foodbank referrals. Suicides among claimants are on the increase.

Universal Credit has been widely condemned as a means of reducing benefits generally, deliberately making life very difficult for claimants, encouraging people to accept jobs on unacceptably exploitative pay, contracts and conditions just to escape the punitive benefits system It is an attack on all of us, and we are fighting it! We need to get it STOPPED and SCRAPPED! In the meantime we say l Provide people with better help when the economic system fails them l Make sure claimants are treated with care and respect l Allow people to apply for Universal Credit in a jobcentre, not just online l Stop the oppressive application and monitoring regime l Trust claimants – not trap them with unreasonable “commitments” l Stop the long waits for claimants to receive money l Stop payments going to one named member of a household l Stop housing insecurity and evictions – pay housing benefit directly to landlords l End benefit sanctions for in-work, out-of- work and ALL claimants l End the persecution of sick and disabled people l End the precarious“gig economy”, and provide proper secure jobs, pay and conditions l End the huge wealth and income gap between working class people and millionaire business owners But we also need to be well prepared to avoid all the problems in claiming it, getting the benefits we need, and avoiding the “sanctions” trap.

This booklet uses a mix of official advice, advice from Trades Unions – for which we very much thank them - and advice from our own experience.

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Contents Fighting Universal Credit and Sanctions… Together What is Universal Credit and who can get it?

How to Apply and Claim The Universal Credit Interview – Be Prepared!

Claimant Commitment & Job Search Keep in Touch with Your “Work Coach” – Change in Circumstances Waiting For Payment Advance Payment – and problems with rent How Much Will You Get on Universal Credit?

Benefit Sanctions Avoiding Sanctions Challenging Sanctions - Mandatory Reconsideration Hardship Payments Making A Formal Appeal Housing Universal Credit and Self Employment Survive and fight back

What is Universal Credit, and who can get it?

You may be able to get Universal Credit if: l you’re on a low pay l you’re out of work l you’re not fit for work l you’re a carer l you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17) l you’re under State Pension Credit qualifying age (or your partner is) l you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you l you live in the UK It replaces six means tested social security payments – known as “legacy” benefits – Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support Allowance and Child Tax Credits.

It is currently being “rolled out” in Derby as people make new claims and are made to switch over to Universal Credit (UC). This booklet explains the differences between Universal Credit and the old system, how to best get through the often deliberately confusing process of claiming UC, and how to survive the significant delay and punishing sanctions without money from the time of claiming UC to receiving the payments you are entitled to.

Even when you are on Universal Credit there is a danger that your money will be stopped - “sanctioned” - by running foul of the so-called “conditions” applied to your claim, designed by the government to trip you up. This applies to people in-work previously claiming Tax Credits, who will now have to claim Universal Credit and will be subject to sanctions, 2 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

just like those claimants who are not working There’s advice here about how to get a wrong “sanction” overturned, as many claimants have done. Decisions to sanction are often not justified, and 81% people win appeals – though they are discouraged from lodging appeals by the system’s threats that appeals will further delay payments.

But don’t just roll over and accept it. Fight back!

Talk to your Trade Union about it. If you are not in a Union yet, join the one for your work… and if you are not in work, you can join Derby UNITE Community.

You might want to look at the Government information on Universal Credit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit - its very comprehensive...but remember who it’s coming from!

How to Apply and Claim One of the major criticisms of UC is that claims are usually expected to be made online. If you don’t have a computer at home, try your local library, jobcentre, Citizens Advice Office or the City Council. Some of these may be able to help you apply. But many people experience real difficulty. You can apply over the phone or in person, if you can’t use a computer or have problems with reading or writing etc. You might have to argue your case quite strongly. Phone free the Universal Credit Helpline 0800 356 9344 if you need to apply this way If you have a partner and you live together, you have to apply as a couple. You do not need to be married. One person makes the online claim and receives a partner code. Your partner must then login to their joint Universal Credit account using the partner code and input their information and confirm their details. The payment for both people goes to only one partner – another thing we need to get changed! From 15th May pensioners with partners who are of working age will no longer be able to make a new claim for Pension Credit and instead your partner will claim UC. Have a look at the Citizens Advice Website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit and Derby City Council welfare rights https://www.derby.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/welfare-rights-andfinancial-advice/welfare-rights-advice/ You’ll have to get the following information together and have it ready to hand when making your claim, and for future use… at your UC interview for instance l Your postcode l Your National Insurance Number l How much you earn from work, eg recent payslips l Child benefit reference numbers, if you get child benefit l Details of your bank, building society, credit union or Post Office card Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit 3

account l How much income you earn that’s not from work, eg pension or l The nature of your accommodation, eg council tenant, private rent or housing association tenant l our landlord’s, address and phone number l Details of savings you have, any shares you own or property that you don’t live in l How much rent you pay l How much you pay for childcare l Details of any other benefits you’re getting, ie what benefit and how much you get If you are in any doubt, ask the Job Centre to provide you with a list of things you’ll need to apply – and for your future interview

Universal Credit Interview – Be Prepared!

After applying, nothing will happen until YOU call your local jobcentre to arrange your UC interview there.

You must book this appointment within 7 days. If you miss this deadline, or if you do not attend this appointment, your claim will be cancelled. So you need to make the appointment and keep it – they won’t contact you.

The number of Derby Job Centre is 0800 169 0190. You will need to take all the same information with you again that you used when applying in the first place!

You will also receive information and communications from the DWP via your online account and might also receive text messages or e-mails about appointments. You again will face a penalty if you don’t follow these up.

The Claimant Commitment - including your “job search” To get Universal Credit you have to agree a “Claimant Commitment” with your work coach at the Job Centre. This is a list of the things, including searching for work, you have to agree to do day in, day out. In most cases you will be told to do all sorts of job searching activities for 35 hours per week. Even if you are working part time you will still be told to look for additional work and increased income. You can’t choose not to do these things – if you don’t they will “sanction” you and stop your payments Keep a record of everything you do to look for work. You must be able to present hard evidence of your search for work – letters, diary entries, notes of interviews, photos of places of employment you visited.

Welcome to the “gig economy” world of “precarious working”… and lack of trust and respect. Keep a copy of all letters and documents from (and to) the DWP 4 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

Job seeking activities are not just restricted to online searches and applications. It can be: l Online applications - remember to claim time for updating your CV and cover letter for each job application l Doing a CV course l CV drops, including the time to travel there and back l Writing and sending speculative letters. l Taking part in training l Going to Job Clubs l Volunteering up to a max of 18.5 hours a week l Work placements/work trials l Doing a course for numeracy or literacy l Doing CSCS, Forklift or similar courses l Computer courses l Applying for a PVG, CSCS card etc The above are the main examples of work searching activities, and you should detail everything you do on your personal Universal Credit portal.

Log everything you do that has anything to do with improving your prospects of getting a job, including “improving your employability skills”.

By the way you will need to go into your Universal Credit online account every few days, or – you guessed it! - your payments may be stopped.

You may also be told to take part in an employment scheme. If you are, you will also need to do the things the scheme provider asks you to such as taking part in training.

The above are the main examples of work searching activities. If you don’t do these things, and you don’t have a “good reason”, you will get “sanctioned” and your payments will be cut for a period of time.

Some examples of what could trigger a sanction: late for a meeting or interview l not taking part in meetings at the Job Centre l losing pay, leaving a job voluntarily or being dismissed l refusing to apply for or accept a “suitable” job l not being available for work or doing everything you are asked to do to find work l being

Keep in contact with your work coach The claimant commitment should always be tailored to suit your individual circumstances and specific needs – and its up to you to make this actually happen.

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Talk to your work coach about your personal circumstances, and make sure they know and have recorded any problems you may have l Reading/writing issues l English is not your first language l Lack of internet access, having to use libraries etc l No access to a computer or the internet, or are not able to use a computer l Physical or mental health issues that will have an impact on your ability to carry out certain types of work l Costs of transport - or have transport problems l Child care issues that will limit the hours you can do l Health condition or a disability l Addiction or alcohol problems l Carer responsibilities l Housing problems and homeless l … and anything else you know is important Tell your work coach straight away if you can’t do something that was agreed, and ask if you are not sure about anything or need help You have to report ANY and ALL changes in your circumstances – or face sanction. The Claimant Commitment will be reviewed regularly. Each time there is a change in circumstance and/or the Claimant Commitment is reviewed, you must make a renewed commitment to carry it out in order to keep receiving payments. l Changes in your income l Changes in your household -who lives with you l Finding or finishing a job l A change to your address l A change to your banking details l Your rent increasing or decreasing l Becoming too ill to work or to meet your Job Centre Work Coach If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, both of you will need to accept an individual Commitment. Your Commitment may be affected if your partner starts work or their circumstances change.

Before agreeing, fully understand what it is your Claimant Commitment is asking you to do. ANY “failure” to carry out every aspect of the Claimant Commitment will result in sanctions and disruption of your payment.

Waiting for Payment It’s meant to take 5 weeks for your payment to come through and be paid into your bank account, but many people have had to wait much longer 6 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

than that to receive their first payment. If you haven’t got a bank account you need to look at this www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/choosing-a-bank-accountfor-your-universal-credit-payment, phone the Universal Credit Helpline 0800 328 5644 or discuss it with your work coach at the Job Centre

Advance Payment If you don’t have enough money to last that long you can ask for an Advance Payment. This is a loan which you will have to pay back. The most you can get in an Advance Payment is the amount you would get in your month’s Universal Credit payment. It’s interest free, but it will be automatically taken from your UC payments over a period of up to 12 months, which therefore leaves you with less money than you need each month while these deductions are made. They should ask you if you need an Advance Payment at your UC interview.

You will need to provide a breakdown of what you need the money for, eg rent, bills and food. Once the DWP have agreed on the amount of the Advance Payment they are supposed to pay you the money in 3 working days, or the same day if urgently needed, paid into the same bank account your UC claim goes to.

If you are in crisis and are applying for money to buy food, electricity, gas, living expenses, etc until your next income is due - call your local council. Derby City Council has a Welfare Fund that can give you help with things like food or heating costs. Contact the Welfare Rights Team at Derby City Council derby.advice@derbyhomes.org 01332 643396 or www.derby.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/welfare-rights-and-financialadvice/welfare-rights-advice/ Do not go to a payday lender or loan shark! Interest rates are huge and repayments are sky high. For advice on long term budgeting, eg saving and applying for loans that are not crippling, contact a local Credit Union please note loans are only available after saving for a set period of time.

These are “not for profit” organisations which are run by members, for members. Find one near you at: www.creditunions.co.uk or phone Derby Credit Union 01332369641 If you are deeply in debt you can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for debt management advice.

If you are struggling to feed yourself and your family, use your nearest Foodbank. Try the Hope Centre Curzon Street DE1 1LL 01332 341189 info@hopecentrederby.co.uk www.hopecentrederby.co.uk/ Most have a referral system and you need to ask for a voucher from: the Job Centre, a GP, Health Visitor or Children’s Centre. In many areas there are community centres that offer support in a variety of ways: breakfast/lunch clubs, charity shops, etc.

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Problems with your rent If you are having problems keeping up with your rent payments you can also apply to your Council for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). To qualify you must receive a housing cost element as part of your Universal Credit Award. An award is payable for a period of 6 or 12 months, depending on your circumstances.

How much will you get on Universal Credit?

Standard allowances for Universal Credit Monthly standard 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) Extra amounts You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you’re eligible.

If you have children How much you’ll get For your first child

Extra monthly amount £277.08 (born before 6 April 2017) £231.67 (born on or after 6 April 2017) For each each subsequent child£231.67 per child (born before 6 April 2017) If you have a disabled £126.11 Lower Rate addition severely disabled child £392.08 Higher Rate addition If you need help 85% of your costs (up to a with childcare costs maximum of childcare costs £646.35 one child and £1,108.04 for 2 or more children) For children born after 6th April 2017 you only get an extra amount for more than 2 children.

This rule does not apply If you were already claiming for more than 2 children before 6 April 2017 or you are renewing a claim for more than 2 children that stopped within the past 6 months - There are other exceptions, check with your advisor.

You might get the extra amount if you start caring for another child, depending on when they were born, circumstances surrounding the birth and why you are now responsible for the child.

8 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

If you are a single parent or the lead carer in a couple, your responsibilities will change as your youngest child gets older and will be tailored to your personal circumstances.

If you get support with childcare costs: You need to report your childcare costs each month by the last day of your assessment period. If you report your childcare costs late, there might be a delay in paying them or you might not get paid.

Even if you are working part time and are a single parent or the lead carer of a child, you will have to carry out job searching activities to increase your working hours. If your child is between 5 and 12 years old, the DWP will expect you to be working or job searching for 25 hours per week. If your child is 13 the DWP will expect you to be working or job searching for 35 hours per week.

If you have a disability, a health condition, or if you care for an adult who does.

How much you’ll get Extra monthly amount Limited capability for work £336.20 and Work Related Activity element Limited capability for work element £126.11 (if claimed before April 2017) If you care for a disabled person £160.20 Housing costs You could get money to help pay your housing costs. How much you get depends on your age and circumstances.

The payment can cover: l Rent (If you are subject to the Bedroom Tax your allowable rent will be reduced) l mortgage interest l some service charges l interest on a loan secured against your home l Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). You can get help from a loan to pay the interest on up to £200,000 of your loan or mortgage. You must have been receiving UC for 39 consecutive weeks. SMI will end as soon as you take up any paid work.

The Benefit Cap, sets a limit on the amount of benefit you can be awarded -Couple or a single parent - £1666.67 per UC assessment period. Single person without children - £1116.67 per UC assessment period.

If you are on DLA, AA, Carer’s Allowance, Guardian’s Allowance, War Pension Payments, PIP, assessed as having Limited Capability for WorkRelated Activity (Support Group) or Industrial Injuries, then you are exempt from the cap. If you were working for at least 12 months prior to being unemployed you are exempt from the cap for 9 months.

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Benefit Sanctions If you “fail to comply” with your Claimant Commitment the DWP can stop or “sanction”, your benefit payments. Sanctions can range from 1 week up to 3 years depending on the level of the alleged misdemeanour.

Sanctions sound nasty, and they are very nasty.

Under Universal Credit rate of sanctions is six times higher than they were under Job Seekers Allowance.

You can get sanctioned for a whole range of things including: l Failing to comply with your Claimant Commitment, that you agree with your job coach l Not doing as you are told in text messages or e-mails about appointments. l Failing to be available for work l Failing to complete your work search or work related actvity l Missing or being late for a Job Centre interview l Losing or leaving a job voluntarily, or losing pay at work without a ‘good reason’ l Not accessing your online account every 5 days.

There are 4 levels of Sanction on Universal Credit Lowest level This applies if you’ve been told you only have to take part in WorkFocused meetings. If you don’t take part in a meeting you may be sanctioned if you did not have a good reason. Payments are reduced until you take part in the meeting. Or until your work coach agrees something different with you.

Low level

l If you don’t do the things your work coach or employment scheme provider ask you to do as part of you claimant commitment l if you don’t take part in a meeting at the Job Centre l if you don’t take part in an employment scheme when asked Payments are stopped or reduced until you do what you have been asked to do. Or until your work coach agrees something different with you. Once this happens payments may be stopped for a further fixed period: 7 days, 14 days or 28 days.

Medium level If you are not available for work, or you don’t do everything you reasonably can in your circumstances to look for work every week Payments are stopped or reduced for 28 days or 91 days.

Higher level 10 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

l If

you voluntarily leave a job or lose pay you lose a job through your misconduct l If you do not apply for a job when asked to l If you refuse to take a job l If

Payments are stopped or reduced for 91 days, 182 days or 1095 days (3 years).

If you are sanctioned, continue to do all the things in your Claimant Commitment. Continue to sign on and take part in any meetings when you are asked… or the sanction may be made worse.

Avoiding Sanctions It’s quite difficult to avoid sanctions under this punitive system. You have to meet ALL the conditions in your Claimant Commitment. So you need to make sure that everything in your Claimant Commitment is realistic and achievable and takes account of any problems you may have. You have a right to take someone into the Jobcentre with you to talk about this with your “work coach”. Having someone with you could give you extra support in coming to an agreement with your job coach that you can do without threat of sanction. If you find your Claimant Commitment is too hard to follow, you can ask for it to be reduced or rewritten to take into account any difficulties you are experiencing.

Keep a diary of all job search carried out or activities attended and take a note of any problems you have faced, such as: medical, personal, lack of access to phone or computer, lack of money for travelling, etc.

If you are unable to attend an interview at the Job Centre, or any work related activity, let them know as soon as possible. Telephone them and keep a note of the date, time and the name of the person you spoke to.

Send a dated written explanation to back up the phone call, as this could be used in evidence if needed.

Challenging Sanctions – Mandatory Reconsideration Always challenge the decision If you think it is wrong! The statistics show that, though the number of sanctions issued under UC has risen dramatically, only 16% are challenged. But of the UC sanctions that have been challenged, 30% are overturned. Meaning the DWP has “made a mistake” in roughly a third of their decisions. If you think DWP didn’t have all the facts or got something wrong, you can ask for the decision to be looked at again.

You (or the person who has authority to act for you) can phone or write to DWP and ask them to explain the decision in writing. You can log this through your online UC account. You need to do this as soon as possible Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit 11

and within one month of the date of the decision letter. If you do this over the phone or at the Job Centre make a note of who you spoke to and the date and time. The phone number will be on the decision letter This is called asking for a “Mandatory Reconsideration”. We recommend that you apply in writing for a reconsideration as soon as possible. If you need help writing the letter go to your Trade Union, Citizens Advice Bureau or Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre and they can assist with this.

Tell DWP if you think you had a good reason for not doing what was agreed or what you were asked to do. Provide them with copies of any evidence you have, such as a letter from your doctor or interview letters.

Where possible, always hand any letters, sick notes etc into the Job Centre yourself, never send by post unless you have to. Take a note of the time and the person you give them to.

When they have looked at what you have told them, they will send you a letter to tell you what they decide and why. It will also tell you how to appeal. This letter is called a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice Keep all paperwork from the DWP, and copies of any letters or forms you complete, and a log/diary of all phone calls and their content in case you need to go to an appeal against the DWP decision.

Hardship payments You can apply for a hardship payment if you have been sanctioned and with this reduced Universal Credit you don’t have enough money to live on. You can ask for a hardship payment if you can’t pay for rent, heating, food or hygiene because of the sanction. You will have to show that you’ve tried to find the money from somewhere else first, and only spend money on “essentials”. You cannot get a hardship payment if you are 16 or 17 years old.

How long you have to wait for hardship payments is different for each benefit. The DWP will explain this to you when you apply, or you can speak to your work coach. For Universal Credit you will usually have to pay any Hardship Payment back after the sanction has finished

Making an appeal If you don’t agree with the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN), you can appeal to a HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunalsservice ) You must have had this MRN Notice before you start an appeal, but appeal immediately. Appeals must be lodged within 1 month from the date on the MRN. Remember 81% of appeals are successful, which is a high 12 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

level of success.

It’s important to keep a copy of the notice. The MRN will tell you how to make an appeal and the address to send it to. Any appeal must be sent directly to HM Courts and Tribunal Service. They are an independent appeals service that operates separately to DWP. If your appeal is successful you will get the benefit payment that you would have received. Any hardship payment you were given will be taken off.

Contact your Trade Union, Citizens Advice Bureau or Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre for assistance with an appeal. Contact your local Councillor or MP as they can also help in certain circumstances.

To ask for an appeal you’ll need to fill in the SSCS1 appeal form on the HMCTS website, then print and post it. The form tells you what to include but get help (as above) – it makes it a lot easier and more effective if you are not doing it on your own You can write to HMCTS to ask for an appeal, but it’s better to use the form as it’s easier to include all the information HMCTS need. If you ask for an appeal in writing, write ‘Appeal’ at the top of your letter and include: l your full name l your National Insurance number l the date at the top of your mandatory reconsideration notice l why you think the decision is wrong The DWP should pass on any evidence you’ve given them to HMCTS. You don’t need to send it again with your appeal form or letter.

Housing Housing costs will be processed by the UC Service Centre and paid with your UC allowance. You will be responsible for paying your rent from your Universal Credit payment to the landlord. There has been a sharp spike in evictions as Universal Credit has “rolled out”.

Request an Alternative Payment Arrangement straight away so your Housing is paid direct to your landlord. We recommend this as it makes your housing situation more secure. Jobcentre should help you to avoid rent arrears which could lead to you losing your home. Ask your landlord to get a UC47 form to ask for direct payment of your rent to your landlord, and discuss with your landlord how to pay off any rent arrears.

If you are having problems paying your rent, you can also apply to Derby City Council for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), available to people who have a shortfall between their rent and the amount they receive in benefits for their rent (including the housing component of Universal Credit) in certain circumstances. These payments should be available to those who are having rent problems due to the transition to Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit 13

Universal Credit. To qualify you must receive a housing cost element as part of your Universal Credit Award. An award is usually payable for a period of 6 or 12 months, depending on your circumstances. Because the payments are discretionary there is no right of appeal if you don’t get it but you are entitled to a “review” if you don’t get it If you live in a Housing Association home, speak to your landlord for money advice and support. If you live in temporary, specified or supported accommodation the rent is still paid by the local council so you have to claim both Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.

Council Tax Reduction - you will need to claim this by contacting your Council yourself to speak to an Advisor Bedroom Tax If you have a spare bedroom. This will reduce the allowable rent on your claim.

Universal Credit and Self Employment If you are self-employed and on a low income, you may be eligible for Universal Credit.

You will be asked to show that you are ‘gainfully self employed’, which means you don’t have to search for other jobs, as self employment is your main job, it provides regular work and you expect to make a profit. You will also need to provide evidence that your work is organised, this will include providing tax returns, accounts, business plan, your unique taxpayer reference, customer and supplier lists, receipts, invoices and marketing materials.

If you are not deemed “gainfully self-employed”, you must continue seeking work and must declare all income from your work. You can request a review of your self- employment status in the future.

How Universal Credit is calculated for the self-employed Universal Credit for the self-employed is worked out based on the amount an employed person, on minimum wage, would earn in similar circumstances; this is called the Minimum Income Floor. If you earn less than the Minimum Income Floor, you will be expected to look for other work. If you earn more than the Minimum Income Floor, Universal Credit is worked out based on your actual earnings. If you and your partner are both in employment and self-employed, your Universal Credit payment will be worked out using either your total earnings or the Minimum Income Floor, whichever is higher.

The amount you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances, whether you are single or in a couple, and whether you have children or other dependants. You will have to provide monthly information about your earnings, the Jobcentre should tell you how to do this.

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If you've become self-employed in the last 12 months Newly self-employed people may be entitled to a start up period of up to 12 months. During this time, your Universal Credit will be worked out only on your actual earnings. You will have to attend quarterly meetings with your “Work Coach” and show evidence that you are building your business. You can only have one start up period, unless your last one was more than five years ago. You must be registered as self-employed before you begin a claim. You can find information on how to do this here: https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself/what-you-need-to- do You must report any change of circumstances If you close your business, are unable to work, start another business or take a job, you must report this change as soon as you can. Changes of circumstance may mean that your status of “gainfully self-employed” is reviewed. Your claim may be stopped or reduced if you do not report a change of circumstances straight away.

You can also be taken to court or possibly have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances

Survive and Fight Back This booklet is intended to help you survive Universal Credit, but we all know that as long as the government is not properly defeated on this, they will twist and turn, tinker with and modify their system – but they will never willingly provide a supportive benefits system. We need to build a strong, broad and united campaign to “Stop and Scrap” Universal Credit, and everyone -currently a claimant or not – has an important role to play in that.

Please note you need to use the contact details at the back of the pamphlet for individual advice.

But if you want to help build the campaign, please give us your details on one of our “Sign Up” sheets, or contact us at stopucderby@outlook.com, or through our facebook page “Universal Credit Derby”, or TEXT 07979 230175 and give us a number where we can ring you.

Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit 15

Useful Contacts The Tory Government tries to put the blame on you for being on benefits.

THE ORGANISATIONS LISTED HERE DO NOT! The blame is the Government’s for creating low pay, unemployment, insecure jobs, the wealth gap and severe need. YOU WILL FIND FRIENDLY SUPPORT FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS Benefits & Work website www.benefitsandwork.co.uk Child Poverty Action Group Independent advice on Welfare and Benefits www.cpag.org.uk 020 7837 7979 Chris Williamson MP chris.williamson.mp@parliament.uk Citizens Advice Bureau Green Lane Derby DE11RS www.citizensadvicesouthderbyshireandcity.org 01332 295711 Credit Union: Derby Community Bank, 38 Cornmarket, Derby, DE1 2DG info@dcbank.org.uk 01332 348144 Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre Support and advice including Benefits advice 1 Rose Hill East Chesterfield S40 1NU info@duwc.org.uk 01246 231441 Derbyshire United Campaign Against Universal Credit stopucderby@outlook.com Derby Area Trades Union Council. Advice on local unions mozgreenshields@gmail.com 07889 274723 Hope Foodbank Hope Centre Curzon Street Derby DE1 1LL info@hopecentrederby.co.uk 01332 341189 Samaritans If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to Freephone 0800 116 123 Padley Centre Derby help & advice with homelessness, debt and destitution, drugs, alcohol, mental health issues etc 68 Rutland Street, Derby DE23 8PR admin@padleygroup.com 01332 774480 Spectrum Derbyshire at The Mandela Centre, advice and support for those affected by social injustice & human rights abuses. 179 Peartree Road DE23 8TN spectrumd@gmail.com http://spectrum.btck.co.uk 01332 347066 Local & National Government information/advice Derby City Council Welfare Rights: www.derby.gov.uk/advice-andbenefits/benefits/universal-credit/ Gov.uk UK government portal. Information and claim forms etc www.gov.uk/universal-credit and UC Sanction Appeals www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision Job Centre Derby (DWP) Derby City Council Offices, Corporation St DE1 2FS 0800 169 0190

16 Stop and Scrap Universal Credit

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Derby United Campaign Against Universal Credit