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Original poster

Universal credit experts??

69 replies

Inbedbynine · 01/05/2019 12:12

Can anyone tell me what would happen if I stopped working in these circumstance please?

I currently work 16 hours term time. I get WTC, CTC? HB, I get carers allowance as have a disabled child.

If I stopped work is that a change enough to change me to UC? It’s in my area for new claims. Or under UC can I work under 16 hours or will I lose a lot of money? I think I would lose the WTC now wouldn’t I?

Thanks

OP posts:

RubberTreePlant · 03/05/2019 17:47

need to decide if I’m going to either stop working altogether or ask my boss to reduce my hours....

I think either will trigger your migration anyway, TBH. So go with what gives you a better UC calculation, & what you're happy with.

SihtricsHorseWitnere · 03/05/2019 17:47

I agree, colditz. The 'biggest issue' is a huge one because often enough, it's not 'just 5 weeks', it's longer. Then there's the sanctions. It's a fucking shitshow and a disgrace.

AnotherEmma · 03/05/2019 17:55

Look. The OP posted to ask for advice on her specific circumstances. It is not helpful to the OP to turn her thread into a rant/debate about the evils of the universal credit system. It derails the thread and it is likely to add to her anxiety rather than relieving it. I've seen it on other threads and it's starting to annoy me now. If you want to discuss how shit universal credit is, start your own thread.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits

HelenaDove · 03/05/2019 17:56

And from the 15th of this month pensioners with younger partners will be joining the shitshow. They WILL be worse off

Babyroobs · 03/05/2019 17:56

It wouldn't push you onto UC but you would lose your WTC and would possibly be better off on UC.

Babyroobs · 03/05/2019 18:00

AnotherEmma - I agree with you. I also wish people would stop telling others not to claim UC, like you say many are better off. But people do need to educate themselves as to how it works before they make the leap. I'm also a benefits adviser.

RubberTreePlant · 03/05/2019 18:03

I agree, colditz. The 'biggest issue' is a huge one because often enough, it's not 'just 5 weeks', it's longer. Then there's the sanctions. It's a fucking shitshow and a disgrace.

A carer, receiving CA, is NOT going to be at any real risk of UC sanctions. She wouldn't have a work requirement.

starpatch · 03/05/2019 18:03

I rang the gingerbread helpline for single parents got straight through and they were really helpful about universal credit. So would recommend them

AnotherEmma · 03/05/2019 18:04

Babyroobs
Yes your username is familiar, I remember you've posted sensible advice on similar threads

SihtricsHorseWitnere · 03/05/2019 18:06

I totally believe that, RubberTree . . . not.

SihtricsHorseWitnere · 03/05/2019 18:08

Better off with no money for at least 5 weeks and instant rent arrears, oh, but they can get a loan, and a LL who isn't getting paid the rent. Yep, much better off.

RubberTreePlant · 03/05/2019 18:11

I totally believe that, RubberTree . . . not.

Oh FGS, stop scaremongering. Can't you hear that OP is desperately worried?

And it's absolutely true that carers' do not generally experience the rough end of UC, whether you believe it or not.

TheBigFatMermaid · 03/05/2019 18:11

Two suggestions for you OP, one, if you have FB, go onto this group and they will give informed answers. www.facebook.com/groups/312769902184307/

Also, if you live in a housing association home, or council, they often have advisers who can help you navigate the benefit system. I had one come to my house and work out that even with no change of circumstance, we were better off claiming UC. I doubted it, but took the plunge after much reassurance, and he was right. These people really know what they are talking about.

AnotherEmma · 03/05/2019 18:24

RubberTree is correct. Carers don't have work requirements. Here's the link for the non-believers!
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/what-youll-need-to-do-on-universal-credit/claimant-commitment-what-group/#h-you-re-caring-for-a-severely-disabled-person

AnotherEmma · 03/05/2019 18:32

"Better off with no money for at least 5 weeks and instant rent arrears, oh, but they can get a loan, and a LL who isn't getting paid the rent. Yep, much better off."

It's not instant rent arrears with the 2 week housing benefit run-on. There will be some arrears for a few weeks, yes. In my experience, social landlords are understanding about the delays caused by starting a UC claim. I can't comment on private landlords! Yes the advance payment is a loan but it's better than nothing during the initial wait. And loan repayments are deducted from the claimant's UC award (usually over 12 months) which may have an impact depending on the amount and the claimant's budget (total income/outgoings).

If someone is not receiving all the benefits they are entitled to, and they don't claim Universal Credit because they are terrified of it due to bullshit "advice" (scaremongering), they are not exactly better off, are there? How will the OP be better off staying in a job that is not suitable for her simply because she has been put off applying for UC by uninformed people?!

A trained adviser will give someone the information they need about their options so they can make their own decision. You don't have all the information and you are not qualified to tell the OP what to do or not do.

Original poster

Inbedbynine · 03/05/2019 18:37

Thanks everyone for the input. In private renting not social.

I’ll have a look at the FB page though thanks.

I have been squirrelling money since UC came about and have managed to save one months rent.... so I’m hoping I will be ok....... I’m scared though!

OP posts:

PencilsInSpace · 03/05/2019 19:59

Yes, I agree.

Part of the problem is that UC has been rolled out on a 'test and learn' basis, so many people who have had to claim over the last couple of years have had a much worse experience than a new claimant would have now. That's not to say there are not still some big problems and I don't blame anyone for wanting to rant about it, but a thread asking for advice is not the place.

OP, please focus more on the practicalities of the proposed changes to your working hours and what works for your family, rather than worrying about UC.

If you need to claim, you need to claim. You've saved a bit of a cushion to tide you through any bumps at the start. AnotherEmma has been through your figures. You'll be fine

AnotherEmma · 03/05/2019 20:05

"Part of the problem is that UC has been rolled out on a 'test and learn' basis, so many people who have had to claim over the last couple of years have had a much worse experience than a new claimant would have now."
Very good point

"That's not to say there are not still some big problems and I don't blame anyone for wanting to rant about it, but a thread asking for advice is not the place."
Indeed

TheBigFatMermaid · 03/05/2019 21:45

"Better off with no money for at least 5 weeks and instant rent arrears, oh, but they can get a loan, and a LL who isn't getting paid the rent. Yep, much better off."

I am better off by £250 per month. I had an advance, or loan of £1200 to get me through the 5 weeks, and it was five weeks to the day, I pay that back at £100 per month, still leaving me £150 per month better off. Only until July, when that will be paid off.

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