AMA I work for DWP

[PurpleDaisy2114]

Just that really! Not in senior management.

Thank you currently at a cross roads

@CatToddlerUprising thank you, that's good to hear- the only experiences I've had with UC advisors has been incredibly negative and not very understanding.

I carry out financial assessments for a means tested allowance.
I've noted alot of lone parents declare themselves self employed with an income of £1 per year yet declaring childcare requirements saying they are working 30 hours a week.
One case is getting 8k childcare for earning £1 a year.
Do you think they do this to avoid being pushed onto jsa or esa therefore being sanctioned for refusing to work more hours?
Although their pension pot will be void for years, do you reckon this is a clever, easy short term measure to stay at home with kids?
They do receive wftc btw.

OP Are you still answering questions? If so, I've got an important one if you can spare the time.

Kemer2018

How can that be allowed? Surely they need would need to prove what they are earning? I use a childminder and usually once a year they ask me for proof of my childcare costs. How do they use childcare if they don't work?

Just been busy today- will have a look when able. Thanks

Some self employed might make a loss in the first year expenses exceeding income I suppose (and yes for others it will just be a means to get money from the state and they will not really be putitng in a lot of hours in a loss making business).

I hate UC. If I posted everything I want to know my post will end up longer than war and peace

Gone for good, technically yes you should inform DWP of any changes of circs.

OP, I appreciate that you are busy. Please, when you have some free time, can I ask a question?

Meadowhay- I have some yes

Ask away David Bowie...

Opal,

Do you find most people are in a worse position after transition? Some, yes. Not sure I would say most. People getting premiums with existing legacy benefits are most affected.

The job is hard. I would spend time outside of work worrying about people on my caseload. Some very aggressive customers I would not tackle for fear of retribution. I have children and am all for trying to make life easier for everyone.
As for positive interactions, there are some but not as many as I would like.

You definitely need to inform tax credits about change in childcare as the the amount you get depends on this. They will advise you of this change means you should go on UC. I wouldn't want to give incorrect advice without knowing lol your circumstances. There is an online tool, entitled to that can give some idea of possible benefit entitlement and impact of changes of circs.

Kiki- is housing included on that payment also?
You can ask for a breakdown of your payment to check it is correct.

@70s baubles
Would part time study eg doing a single ou module as opposed to a full course be a chqnge if on income support? What about voluntary work?
UC rules are pretty strict in regards to study. Generally over 12 hours if I remember rightly is classed as full time and means you're not available for work. With income support yes you still need to let them know but that should be ok. voluntary work- there is a form to fill in to check that an employer isn't trying to take advantage- it's to protect you too. Bol work is usually encouraged as it is seen as a stepping stone.

Why is a child starting school a change, is that true if you dont have childcare costs and recieve free hours?
It is still better to report, especially with Tax Credits.

Moominfan
Single parent working part time on old benefits system. Would you recommend they go full time to avoid universal credit? Financially their not better off but won't have to rely on uc or have to go through transition. Lone parent to child who's two
Possibly- but is that job pretty safe? Any changes in hours would mean new claim to UC.
I probably would advise them to stay as they are for now...

Moominfan
Single parent working part time on old benefits system. Would you recommend they go full time to avoid universal credit? Financially their not better off but won't have to rely on uc or have to go through transition. Lone parent to child who's two
Possibly- but is that job pretty safe? Any changes in hours would mean new claim to UC.
I probably would advise them to stay as they are for now...

Gone for food, I understand your point. If it is a financial change then this could mean a potential under or overpayment which is serious. As for other changes, eg. a partner moving in, starting or ending study then it is up to you but again, technically you should.

Dear purple Daisy,
Please can you help......
Single mum, child aged three. Work full time, minimum wage. Leave house 7am for an hour and a half commute on public transport to drop son at nursery and get to work.
Since I've been in work UC keep over paying me then sanctioning me. They Can't get my UC right as paid last Friday of every month and ass periods 28th until the 27th. THIS month they are barely helping with nursery fees and saying next month I won't get anything. On top of this repaying a £60 repayment plus £70 advance per month as had to loan childcare costs upfront.
I am so distressed by all of this and I have been in tears. Want to work but UC getting me into debt. My council tax bill has now also gone up to £95 a month, plus travel costs I am getting into a real mess.
I can evidence I am applying for other jobs that are closer or better paid and not paid on the last fri of every month. I cannot cope with not knowing what UC I will get and then keep being sanctioned.
If I leave my job will they sanction me and stop my UC.?
I desperately need to and want to work but cannot cope with this stress anymore......I know you can't say for sure but what is he likelihood. If they stop my UC I don't have anyone to help me out......

I'm voluntarily making monthly repayments for overpayment of ESA & DLA. There's no formal repayment plan.
I've had to cancel December's payment and will probably need to do the same for the next 3 or 4 months.
I do not live in the UK.
What can the DWP do about me not paying for some months?

@PurpleDaisy2114

No it’s not included as I own my property
The docs make no reference to housing, and I have gone through carefully
It just seems just a huge amount and I’m worried

Ok so @Jazzhan, to answer your questions...
How do I sleep- work does keep me awake and worry me but not because of any actions I take. I don't do anything personally that will cause misery or hardship to others but yes, working for the dept in itself is something I struggle with sometimes. DWP is very much the poor relation of govt departments and whilst people think we have big comfy chairs, long meetings with endless coffee and biscuits and have it easy this is not true. Drinking water machines were removed years ago, Buildings are old dilapidated and have regular flea infestations, I have often bought my own stationery etc. Then there is the confrontation of dealing with people who are suffering the hard end of policies you often don't agree with.

I totally get WHY people are swearing and upset/angry but I don't think it's ok to throw a brick through the window or threaten to burn the place down/come in with weapons. I personally think I, Daniel Blake should be mandatory viewing for all staff!
So, I'm not always in 'good conscience' working for these pricks but as others have said, am also trying to keep a roof over my and my family's heads.
I'm not an expert on every potential issue someone walks in with. If I don't know, I try to find someone who does either on the office or by signposting. I've dealt with people with huge rent arrears and filled in discretionary housing payment forms for them or referred them to budgeting support from local authority. There is help out there but it's not always easy to find. I'm not so naive as to think however it is always as easy as that. I've had men sleeping in their cars after losing their jobs, women with their children after finding out their husband is a paedophile, it goes on. I try to help but I don't force someone to ring Samaritans etc. It is their choice as we are not medical professionals. Staff do have mental health training however and some staff are also being trained to be mental health first aiders.
Sometimes I avoid telling people what I do or am vague. Yes, I do feel ashamed sometimes

Thanks for coming back to me Purple

@Purple, I hope @jazz hasn't upset you too much with her comments.
I wonder if you'd be kind enough to take a look at my previous question?

@PurpleDaisy2114

Seeing as no housing element t, does he look like I’m receiving too much?

As for jazz, someone like that is in a very very bad place. They want to draw others down too. The OP started this thread to help people, so she is clearly in a very different head space to jazz!