How have you transitioned from tax credits to UC with the new 30-hour work rule?

[Soselfish]

With tax credits ending and the move to Universal Credit, I’m wondering how others have handled the change—especially those who were previously only working 16 hours under the old system.

Before, as long as you worked 16 hours and had a child, you could get Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, and avoid job centre requirements. Now, once your youngest turns 3, you’re expected to work at least 30 hours to meet UC’s work expectations.

For those who were on the old system, how have you managed the shift?

Have you had to increase hours, change jobs, or adjust childcare? Has UC been flexible in any way?

Would love to hear real experiences as it’s going to affect me soon.

I thought you just had to earn over the AET

Yes but before it was just 16 hours no matter how much you earned. Now it has to be 30 hours equivalent of minimum wage.

I'm able to stick at 20hrs as my DD needs support and gets DLA.

Tbh, without that I don't know what I'd have done. I wouldn't have left my current employer and I don't know how I'd have got extra hours around my current ones. If I changed my job I'd have been in a very vulnerable position for two years until I received employment protection. I've not changed my job since the Tories came in as I can't risk anything or losing parental leave.