To feel depressed at the universal credit system?

[BlairWaldorfsHeadband]

Trying to claim UC. I work part time and have mental health problems. I’m pregnant and won’t get SMP because I haven’t been in my job long enough.

The process is overwhelming me. I used to get TC and it was easy to apply for. They want me to bring so many documents and it makes me feel overwhelmed and depressed because I feel like a criminal on trial.

I am convinced I will get nothing and we will lose our home when I give birth. I honestly feel like my kids would be better off without me right now because I can’t even navigate this stupid system for them. I feel like the world is too loud and strong for me and I am weak and can’t sort this.

Can anyone who’s done this advise?

Op do you already have a child if so CANCEL YOUR UC APPLICATION immediately.
Also do you currently claim tax credits?

Yes I do have a child.

No, we used to but I got a better job, so we had to stop. However my hours had to be reduced due to my health so we became eligible again but we cant claim TC in this area.

Op you can’t claim UC if you gave three dc so if you already have a child cancel the UC claim immediately or just ignore all requests and they will close it for you.
Then as soon as you give birth claim tax credits. You will loose a few weeks money until you give birth but you could then remain on tax credits until 2022 although you could be migrated earlier. If you are migrated rather than apply for UC you will then have the same money as you did on tax credits.
How many dc do you currently have?

I have one DC.

I was told if I am already on UC, the other two will be added onto my claim when they are born. Is this not correct?

No area will currently accept UC claims with three or more dc even the areas that are UC only atm.

Yes they would be added on to the UC claim but UC is a nightmare. You can avoid UC for up to 4-5 years if you wait and claim tax credits.

www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-families-with-more-than-2-children-information-for-claimants

You will get UC or TC for all three children as multiple birth . I would always advise people to claim TC over UC and especially with your poor mental health.

Would I still be able to claim it if I opened this UC claim and cancel it now?

And if so how do I cancel it?

I can’t find anywhere to cancel it???

This is what I get when I log in? I’ve blurred out the names of me and DP.

Phone this number 0345 600 0723 you need to say you are withdrawing rather than cancelling the claim. Just say your partner will be taking on extra shifts so you no longer qualify or you do not feel you can meet the conditionality . Refuse to be drawn in to a conversation and do not tell them it’s because you plan to claim tax credits.

I feel so cross that they didn’t tell you that you could claim tax credits once your twins were born. I have identical girls age four they are fab.

Will it affect me claiming TC later?

Thank you for the advice! I really appreciate this.

I bet your girls are lovely I have had hardly any help with this.

It would only affect claiming tax credits if your UC claim was processed. It is vital that before you ring you find a reason why you are no longer entitled to claim you can’t be entitled to UC and change your mind.
Expected to earn too much is probably the easiest but look at the conditionality .

I only applied yesterday so it won’t have been processed yet will it?

You should get benefits for your children if one birth was a twin pregnancy. It only applies if you go on to have more children.

Ahhh I feel like I’ve royally fucked this up by applying for UC!

The system IS designed to make things more difficult op. We have a totally shitty government who have zero interest in helping the vulnerable

I negotiated it with that in mind and it just made me more determined to make my claim

Same here for dh's PIP claim. We are taking it to tribunal, absolutely get the impression they want you to just give up!
Lots of good advice already here, so hope you get it all sorted

MaMaMaBelle I’m sorry your DH had to go through it :(

No it won’t be processed yet.
As long as you don’t receive a payment from UC you can claim tax credits ,also with twins you would be very unlikely to get to due date.

No Blair you haven’t fucked up it’s the government that’s fucked up!
You will be able to withdraw you claim , it will be ok.

Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how helpful that is.

I will ring them in about half an hour when I have worked out what to say. I think we will say DP is likely to get extra shifts and take us out of the earnings criteria.

No problem i hate seeing people being screwed over it’s just not fair. Benefits are there to help people not cause stress and hardship.
Yes that reason is fine be very firm with them that you want to withdraw.

We can’t ring as it’s a weekend now I am worrying again