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Original poster

Can we both just give up work and get UC can anyone advise

59 replies

ConfuseMeTotally · 10/05/2022 17:10

If 2 dc get Dla can both parents be carers and not have to actively look for work ?

Do both have to get carers allowance or just show the award letters ?

Tia

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 10/05/2022 20:15

All I will add to this thread is that it’s absolutely disgusting that parents of children with what may be very complex disabilities should be finding it difficult to determine what income they could access through the benefits system without having to navigate the complexities of that system.

There should be a one stop shop type of set up so that parents like the OP can get accurate information, access all the financial support they need in order to raise their children without having to worry where the next rent payment is going to come from.

OP, I hope you are able to get the support and advice you are desperate for x

Babyroobs · 10/05/2022 20:19

Athenajm80 · 10/05/2022 19:56

I may be wrong, but I think whilst you can both get Carers Allowance, you can only get one "Carer's Element" on your UC claim. It's been 7 months since I worked there though, so like I said, I may be remembering incorrectly

You are wrong as both can claim if claiming for 2 different disabled children. If one of a couple had the LCWRA on the claim then they would not be able to get a carers element too but it sounds like that isn't the case here.

WilmaFlintstone1 · 10/05/2022 20:26

Good luck with it all OP, I’ve learned some stuff from this thread I didn’t know.

Hope things go well

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Benefits Families
Lovemusic33 · 10/05/2022 20:28

Yes, both of you can claim CA (one for each child) which means technically neither of you have to be actively seeking work so you can claim UC. Do look online, do a benefits check to see if you will be worse or better off.

I think the system sucks in many ways, I am on UC, I am on carers allowance, both my dc are on higher rate DLA/PIP and I can’t hold down a job because there’s no free childcare for children over 12, I am a single parent so I have no option but to claim UC and not work full time. I think people presume I don’t want to work but I really do, it’s a lonely existence being a carer and it often feels like people look down in me for not working. If there was a way I could work and survive without UC I would but it costs the government less to pay me £69 a week carers allowance and to pay my rent through UC than it would to offer specialist childcare for my dc.

Original poster
ConfuseMeTotally · 10/05/2022 20:39

Lovemusic33 · 10/05/2022 20:28

Yes, both of you can claim CA (one for each child) which means technically neither of you have to be actively seeking work so you can claim UC. Do look online, do a benefits check to see if you will be worse or better off.

I think the system sucks in many ways, I am on UC, I am on carers allowance, both my dc are on higher rate DLA/PIP and I can’t hold down a job because there’s no free childcare for children over 12, I am a single parent so I have no option but to claim UC and not work full time. I think people presume I don’t want to work but I really do, it’s a lonely existence being a carer and it often feels like people look down in me for not working. If there was a way I could work and survive without UC I would but it costs the government less to pay me £69 a week carers allowance and to pay my rent through UC than it would to offer specialist childcare for my dc.

This is the issue - no childcare that works out. Plus no family or friends support.
I’ve been having so many issues now myself (memory is a huge one, loss of function I just can’t do everything I need to) literally just can’t carry on like this

OP posts:
CherryRipe1 · 10/05/2022 20:44

Soontobe60 · 10/05/2022 20:15

All I will add to this thread is that it’s absolutely disgusting that parents of children with what may be very complex disabilities should be finding it difficult to determine what income they could access through the benefits system without having to navigate the complexities of that system.

There should be a one stop shop type of set up so that parents like the OP can get accurate information, access all the financial support they need in order to raise their children without having to worry where the next rent payment is going to come from.

OP, I hope you are able to get the support and advice you are desperate for x

Absolutely. Well said @Soontobe60
It's so damn bewildering. I hope you manage to navigate the enigma wrapped up in a conundrum that is the benefits system for you and your family.

Babyroobs · 10/05/2022 21:04

Your Uc claim should be s follows.
Standard couples element ( assuming one of you is over 25) £525.72
Carers elements x ( 2 x £168.81 ) = £337.62
Higher disabled child elements ( 2 x £414.88 ) = £829.76
Childrens elements assuming one born before April 2017 = £534.58
Rent element if you rent will depend on local housing allowance if private rented.

Then DLA x 2 and carers allowance x 2 and Child benefit x 2 paid separately.
Carers allowance x 2 deducted from total UC each month

Athenajm80 · 10/05/2022 22:18

Babyroobs · 10/05/2022 20:19

You are wrong as both can claim if claiming for 2 different disabled children. If one of a couple had the LCWRA on the claim then they would not be able to get a carers element too but it sounds like that isn't the case here.

Show quote history

Ah yes, thank you. I knew there was something about both people about not getting an extra element.

Sorry OP for the misinformation and thank you @Babyroobs for putting me right

Silverbirch2 · 10/05/2022 22:29

OP are they school age? 1 of you could do school hours part time? Ask at their school.

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