Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Can you get universal credit for being a SAHM if husband works f/t?

522 replies

faultywiring · 11/04/2023 12:25

I am a SAHM and dh works full time, only min wage but he does about 50 hours.
Would I be able to get Universal credit and stay at home dc are 5 and 7 both at school.
I don't want job seekers as I'm not looking for jobs but just wondering if UC was an option or if I'd be expected to look for work?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Wheresthebeach · 12/04/2023 08:59

The problem you have OP is that loads of people would like to work part time, or not at all, yet go to work. Yes, juggling work and children is tricky but nearly everyone does it and you shouldn't be an exception to that.

We're all paying our taxes, and we expect that to go on roads, education, hospitals, etc etc not to people who just would rather not work as it's all a bit difficult. So no, we will not all collectively support you so you can stay at home, or at least that's not how the system should work.

WeeOrcadian · 12/04/2023 09:37

There was me thinking that the OP would be back. Gutted. Kids are crying now.

stayathomer · 12/04/2023 10:08

She is not a SAHP anymore. That ship has sailed. She is unemployed.
we might agree to disagree there, she’s still doing all the jobs that pertain to looking after her children plus she can be anything she wants if she does the work relating to it (I’m an author that doesn’t get paid enough to call it a job and work in a shop but I still say I work in a shop and am an author- my friend is a nurse but lives for painting- she is a nurse and a painter)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
angharadsgoat · 12/04/2023 11:27

stayathomer · 12/04/2023 10:08

She is not a SAHP anymore. That ship has sailed. She is unemployed.
we might agree to disagree there, she’s still doing all the jobs that pertain to looking after her children plus she can be anything she wants if she does the work relating to it (I’m an author that doesn’t get paid enough to call it a job and work in a shop but I still say I work in a shop and am an author- my friend is a nurse but lives for painting- she is a nurse and a painter)

So by that reasoning she's unemployed and, even though the children are at school, a sahp. However, I think we can all add parenting duties to our roles can't we.

Sorry, tongue in cheek reply. I think OP will not return.

Needmorelego · 12/04/2023 11:41

I believe you can only officially be regarded as "unemployed" (ie on government forms etc) if you are claiming some type of job seeking related benefits and actively searching for work.
I don't work in a paid job but I am not "unemployed".
On any forms I have to fill out (like the census) I am classed as "not working". This could cover various circumstances including being a sahp, being very rich so you don't need to work, being a housewife/househusband/homemaker or being a carer or whatever.
I am a sahp. My daughter is almost 15 but I am still a sahp because she is autistic and she needs me.
I am not however "unemployed".
The OP is not "unemployed" because she is not actively searching for work.
She is simply "not working" and can choose to call herself a sahm or even housewife if she wants.
(I am listed as "homemaker" on my marriage certificate)

Morningcoffeeview · 12/04/2023 13:21

stayathomer · 12/04/2023 10:08

She is not a SAHP anymore. That ship has sailed. She is unemployed.
we might agree to disagree there, she’s still doing all the jobs that pertain to looking after her children plus she can be anything she wants if she does the work relating to it (I’m an author that doesn’t get paid enough to call it a job and work in a shop but I still say I work in a shop and am an author- my friend is a nurse but lives for painting- she is a nurse and a painter)

I have meaningful paid employment AND do all the jobs that pertain to the children - the OP has large periods where she isn’t caring for her children. How does that differ to anyone else who has school age children and works. It’s just a more flattering title.

TimeSlipMushroom · 12/04/2023 16:56

faultywiring · 11/04/2023 13:03

How do you think the majority of families in this country with 2 working parents manage?

I have no idea, how does everyone do it? It seems impossible.

Single parent here with no family and have worked 24-30 hours since DS(12) was 10 months old so certainly not impossible.

How I have done this (though I'm unsure why you cannot work out solutions)

Nursery
Childminder
Breakfast and after school clubs
Childcare swaps with friends
Holiday clubs
Using all my annual leave for school holidays
Working 4 days and moving my non working day depending on inset days, bank hols, sick days, medical appointments.
Unpaid leave

As there are 2 adults in your household you have double of some of the above options

Queenbee77 · 12/04/2023 18:20

This lady IS working. She looks after her two children and a hysbans. Unfortunately society dint recognise this as work. Go on an independant benefit calculator on line and input all your details. You will find out what you are entitled too.

Notamumsym · 12/04/2023 18:20

You have to do a joint claim if you're married, fill out the online form, unfortunately you will probably find you're not entitled to much, maybe you work around your husbands shifts?

pphammer · 12/04/2023 18:23

Some people got the nerve. I know a wife's friend in the same situation. Get a JOB! I pay taxes for people that really need help, not for those that choose not no work and want "free" cash

pphammer · 12/04/2023 18:24

Of course I mean a friend's wife...

mel71 · 12/04/2023 18:24

You can but it’s changing very soon - both parents will be expected to work at least 18 hours per week each

MustWeDoThis · 12/04/2023 18:30

faultywiring · 11/04/2023 12:25

I am a SAHM and dh works full time, only min wage but he does about 50 hours.
Would I be able to get Universal credit and stay at home dc are 5 and 7 both at school.
I don't want job seekers as I'm not looking for jobs but just wondering if UC was an option or if I'd be expected to look for work?

I work for the DWP. Yes you can.

You make a joint claim, but you would be expected to look for hours during school time, or when husband can look after them when his work finishes for the day.

You can still get UC, while both working FT, or mixed hours, compressed hours etc. Would need to be over 18 hours.

UC will not accept you wanting to be a SAHM. Hubby and I both work full-time and receive UC. He works in IT for 40 hours a week, I work compressed 30 hours over 3 days. The other 4 are for homeschooling my eldest.

If you dislike UC rules and don't want to look for work, then close the claim. However, I am curious why you aren't already getting child tax credits, working tax credits, housing benefit, council tax discount, and child benefit? Did you never apply?

You only trigger a claim to UC if you move and there's a change to Housing Benefit and Child Tax credits.

verabarbleen · 12/04/2023 18:30

I think once child is 3 you are expected to be in work at least part time . I have a 1 and 3 year old I work part time and get UC my husband works full time on a low wage. In the UC account it says my commitments are to log in but once youngest is 3 my commitments would be to be looking for more hours which I will do as then child care will be easier .

Singapore4 · 12/04/2023 18:32

I think OP is having a laugh. You have 2 children surely you are familiar with how the system works, you would surely Google or even ask a friend.

There's UC calculators online.

angharadsgoat · 12/04/2023 18:33

UC will not accept you wanting to be a SAHM. Hubby and I both work full-time and receive UC. He works in IT for 40 hours a week, I work compressed 30 hours over 3 days. The other 4 are for homeschooling my eldest.

Blimey, you're certainly busy! I'm quite in awe.

Singapore4 · 12/04/2023 18:36

Queenbee77 · 12/04/2023 18:20

This lady IS working. She looks after her two children and a hysbans. Unfortunately society dint recognise this as work. Go on an independant benefit calculator on line and input all your details. You will find out what you are entitled too.

It's always the same on MN. If you want to be a SAHM OP needs to fund it. Why should other single mums with no partner go to work juggle childcare and wrap around child care and pick up the tab? Totally odd.

What do you think we are doing? We too are "working" 🤔

Singapore4 · 12/04/2023 18:41

@TimeSlipMushroom exactly!! I can't even take OP seriously.

Theyoungestone · 12/04/2023 18:42

Love it!😆

Leela100 · 12/04/2023 18:43

Wow, the sheer entitlement of even writing this post, it’s a joke right, it has to be

niugboo · 12/04/2023 18:46

Give over. I’m not working so you can swan around. Get a job.

LaDamaDeElche · 12/04/2023 18:51

Queenbee77 · 12/04/2023 18:20

This lady IS working. She looks after her two children and a hysbans. Unfortunately society dint recognise this as work. Go on an independant benefit calculator on line and input all your details. You will find out what you are entitled too.

Give over 😂 Her kids are at school and no mention of AN and her husband is an adult who can look after himself. The state shouldn't pay people to be SAHP. They should help people who actually need help. The pot isn't endless.

Singapore4 · 12/04/2023 18:59

Needanewadventure2021 · 11/04/2023 19:55

You can see why these threads attract angry posts.

It honestly baffles me what some can earn and still he entitled to help. £40k plus earnings and still get UC. I earn 16k and get a small top up. My annual household income is no more than 20k and it's a struggle! On UC it would be less! I am a single parent, work full time. I have a child who has been denied DLA despite medical intervention from various agencies and within school and home. Somehow they believe he is like his peers despite professionals evidencing he isn't. Because his DLA has been denied I am having to fund his equipment etc privately. I get no help.
I do not have housing costs as I am mortgaged therefore UC is a very unfair system for me and clearly so when some how households with incomes of double what I do and get way more benefits than I can. Simarly with my elderly parents. One in receipt of state pension, and one unable to work due to severe mobility issues and awaiting double knee replacements. They cannot get UC either as they have been told they can live off state pension. This has been checked by Welfare Rights too!

People can say 'why shouldn't we claim it when we are entitled'. But then you have to expect the negative comments when there are many other with incomes no where near as high and get told they can't claim anything!

The is the drawback to UC. It includes the rent element half the time it is the rent element that is bumping the figure up. UC is a generic thing so aside from the rent element or some type of disability which I wouldn't envy people are not really getting ££££££.

Singapore4 · 12/04/2023 19:00

Forgot to add. Renting in expensive parts of the Country.

CriticalAlert · 12/04/2023 19:00

I doubt it. You can make a claim - will have to be a joint claim so they can see all incoming money. See what they say. But I don't think you'll get a penny tbh. The benefits system in the UK is appalling. people cannot survive on UC despite what the Daily Heil says. Anyway I think you should be realistic. Your kids are at school , why don't you get a job????