UC commitment review

[Frequency]

Has anyone had one of these or knows what they're for?

I understand that they're to review my commitments, but I work full-time and earn a bit more than the NMW, so I didn't think I had any work search commitments.

Am I supposed to take time off work for this? What happens if I cancel?

We only get about £5 a month UC, but the free prescriptions and glasses are a massive help, so I'd rather not get kicked off. I also don't think my work will be happy at me taking a day off at short notice to attend the JC.

Can you put a note in your journal explaining the above, ie you can’t get the time off work, and you work full time, so what do they advise? I’m in a similar setup to you and my only ‘commitment’ is to inform them of any change in circumstance 🤷‍♀️

I did that this morning when I got the update/email, but they've not replied, so now I'm panicking. I have just started a new job, but my pay is slightly more than it was in my last job, so I don't think that would cause any issues.

I'm also confused about what I am supposed to commit to. I like my job and I've only just started it. I don't want another job.

How are you claiming free prescriptions and glasses. The maximum you can earn to qualify for them is £935.

Sorry off topic but If you only get £5 a month how are you getting free prescriptions and eye test? I think you better check your entitlement as I do believe many are being caught out by this and fined. It’s not like the old system of CTC.

Regarding the commitment review I would guess your earnings haven't fed through from your new job so you have changed work groups. It will be cancelled as soon as your earnings come in.

Honestly, I have no idea why now I have just Googled that. I get an exemption certificate posted every year, and I just assumed it was because I get a small amount of UC.

I might just cancel my claim in that case.

Yes. Had mine late last year. It’s just to check you aren’t hiding money or income elsewhere from them. Mine took about 3-4 weeks to complete but eventually completed. They will probably ask for some bank statements.

OP may be in Scotland. We get free prescriptions and eye tests here irregardless of income. If you’re on UC here you get a voucher for free glasses.

@sprinklesandshines
good point, that didn’t even cross my mind.

As above, being on UC doesn't make you eligible for free prescriptions or glasses unless in Scotland(?). You have to have a household income of £935 or less, assuming you have a child on the claim.

OP may be in Scotland. Free prescriptions and eye tests are the norm for everyone here irregardless of income. Those on UC get a glasses voucher here for free specs up to a certain amount.

possibly OP is confused and thinks the first two are due to her UC

I have a child with epilepsy on my claim. She is 18 but still in FTE. Could that be why? I am not in Scotland.

I don't get carers' allowance or DLA or anything for DD, but she does have an EHCP for college.

Did you apply for a HC2 certificate?

What are the earnings reported by employer on your most recent UC statement?

Don’t panic. You have left a “paper trail” and it will be proven that you tried to get in touch with them when you did.

The Commitments Review has been booked because you either had no earnings or earnings below £952 on your last statement. Your 18 yo in FTE is exempt from prescription charges.

If she's in full time education she's entitled to free prescriptions but unless someone wants to correct me.. if you're earning more than £953 per month then you aren't entitled. Have you both been claiming free prescriptions and glasses?

I don't take any regular medication, and I wear DD's old glasses as we have very similar prescriptions. We do get an exemption certificate posted every year. I will have to dig it out and read what it is for. I usually just glance at it, see what it is, and file it away. I'm sure the first time I read it, it was due to UC, but that was a few years ago. Since then, I open it, briefly scan it, and it goes into the important folder with the rest of our important papers.

My last payment was for £48, as I hadn't worked; it was just a tax rebate. Is that why even though I have told them I am now working?

If you usually get £5 UC per month because of earnings how was your last payment of UC £48 with no earnings on the statement? That doesn’t make any sense to me.

Sounds like you have a hc2. You really shouldn’t wear someone else’s glasses even if the prescription is similar. If you do have a hc2 you should be entitled to free specs of your own too. Do you pay for dental treatment?

I would urge you to check it asap as other people have been saying you could end up fined if you’ve been getting free stuff when you’re not entitled to it

My last payment/monthly wage reported by my employer was £48. My last payment from UC was £0 because I earned too much. My next one, which is not due until the end of the week, is £600ish, according to my statement, because I only earned £48 last month.

I expect it will be £0 - £5 again next month, or maybe slightly more, depending on when I get paid.

So that’s why they’ve booked the commitments review.
Earnings are below the threshold for that assessment period.

That's a claim review lol not a commitment review