UC: After a quick heads up

[MiMiChuna]

Being migrated over to UC from CTC.

Have 1st appointment tm to discuss initial agreement contract.

What's the typical expectation for lone parents with no support network? Looking for real life experiences, not unhelpful opinions & judgements.

My DC are in age brackets 13+ and 9-12.

My initial thoughts are no weekend / evening work. School hours. Not full time (this would break me mentally on top of everything else I have to manage & support singlehandedly).

Also I'm returning to college part-time in Sept (1 day / wk, continuation of course I was on last year, doing the next level, to lead to hopefully a new career path in finance / accountancy). If that has any bearing.

Want to be prepared and realistic in relation to people in similar personal situation.

FWIW comparing CTC to UC in theory UC pays more, but I can manage on CTC level of payments if it meant less expectation so I can keep supporting my children & being there for them as there's is zero other persons to step in.

Much appreciated. Feeling a bit stressed now the appt is close.

I can't get my head around leaving kids of this age alone so long & so regularly.

@MiMiChuna sorry if I missed it, but how old is your oldest child?

@LakieLady I have sent you a pm. Hope it helps.

And there are NO wrap around childcare services around me for kids past primary school.

Children in secondary do not need wrap around.🤔. Do any of your children have additional needs? It's unusual that they cannot be left alone for longer stretches at that age. If so, I would consider applying for DLA. If they qualify you can claim carers allowance and wouldn't have to look for work.