Universal Credit add-ons worth up to £495 a month – full list | Personal Finance | Finance

Universal Credit provides vital support for working-age people on modest incomes or experiencing financial hardship. Whilst it offers a standard payment for all eligible claimants, certain people may receive hundreds of pounds extra monthly, depending on their housing, family and health situations.

These supplementary payments are means-tested like the main benefit. However, some aren’t automatically added, which means if you fail to inform the DWP of your eligibility for additional support, you’re unlikely to receive it. It’s also important to note that no payment is protected from deductions, as specialists at Turn2Us outlined the full range of supplementary payments available.

Children

People who have successfully claimed Universal Credit may receive more from the benefit if they’re responsible for a child or qualifying young person who normally lives with them. This is referred to as the child element and could entitle households to an additional £339 monthly for the eldest child born after April 6, 2017 and £292.81 for each subsequent child.

If your child is also disabled you may receive extra on top of this addition through the child disability element. This offers £158.76 at the lower rate and £495.87 at the higher rate, with further eligibility criteria for this available on Gov.uk.

Childcare costs

If both you and your partner work and need assistance with childcare, you may qualify for the childcare element. This allows parents to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs.

Your child must be enrolled with a registered provider to qualify, although this support can include childminders, breakfast clubs, nurseries and holiday clubs. You’ll also be required to pay the fees initially before claiming back the money.

Housing

The housing element can assist with rent or service charges for your accommodation 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 support amounts will differ depending on your circumstances, with comprehensive information accessible on the Gov.uk website.

Disabled or having a health condition

The additional element for those with health conditions is referred to as ‘limited capability for work’ or the ‘health element’. You’ll typically need to undergo a work capability assessment to determine if you qualify for this element and the applicable rate.

You can continue working whilst receiving this element, but advisers at Turn2Us cautioned: “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).”

This can offer an additional £423.27 each month. Generally, a work capability assessment is required to establish your qualification for this component and the rate at which it will be given.

The rates are set to change in April for new claimants due to the Universal Credit Bill.

Carers

The carer’s element provides £201.68 per month if you provide care for at least 35 hours per week and the person you care for receives one of the qualifying benefits. It’s not necessary to be claiming Carer’s Allowance to be eligible for this element.

Experts warned: “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.”