I applied for Universal Credit this weekend. I am self-employed, but business hasn't been going well and I found out that I could get support from the Universal Credit scheme. I have my UTR from HMRC, records of self-assessment tax returns, invoices, etc. So, I should be granted the "start-up" period for 12 months due to being "gainfully self-employed". I rang up the Universal Credit line today to see when I might get a response from them, but she couldn't give me a clear answer apart from "as soon as they can". I told her about my debt, which amounts to around £4000, and asked if I could receive any financial help to pay for bills, etc. She told me I could apply for a "Discretionary Grant", which would show up as a "Universal Credit Contingency Fund".

So, I have just applied for help with paying for electricity, heating oil, help for paying for subscriptions essential to my on-line business, a new phone (as my current one keeps dying on me and I need it for work), etc.

I have two questions - 1. In the 12-month start-up period, I understand that you are assessed on your actual earnings, rather than the Minimum Income Floor. I don't understand what this means. Is there a maximum amount of Universal Credit a single person can receive each month during the start-up period? Say, £350 or so? I'm asking because I'm currently earning about £200 a month. If this carries on for the next few months, how much might I expect to receive?

1. Regarding the UC Contingency Fund, due to the large amount of debt I am in, the agent on the phone told me I could apply for help. I applied for money for heating, electricity, a pair of shoes, a new phone to do my work, travel expenses, etc. This amounted to around £800 in total. How likely am I to receive support for this?