The government has announced the continued suspension of the minimum income floor for universal credit. Pre-COVID, universal credit was calculated based on the assumption that self-employed people earned at least 35 hours at per week on minimum wage. This meant that universal credit only topped up your income over and above that level, but if you earn less then universal credit did not top up below the minimum income floor.
Due to COVID19, the government temporarily suspended the minimum income floor, meaning that payments are made based on earnings and could top up income below the minimum income floor. This suspension of the minimum income floor was due to end on 12 November, however the government has announced an extension until April 2021.
This is extremely positive news as it will enable self-employed people to access financial support that many need due to being unable to work as a result of COVID19.
