To not want to work more hours? (Universal Credit)

[Abneyandteal19]

Hi
Have never claimed benefits before except child benefit as we've always earns over threshold, situation now is....
3DC ages 4 (preschool) 6 and 8.

I work part time professional job management - but job share 15hrs PW. Income £14500

DH professional job in region of £60-65k has never been out of work until now. His contracts ended in Dec. Had a job lined up for Jan- company funding issues have meant they've delayed his start indefinitely. Of course he is desperately searching.

Done all calculations and looks like we are entitled to some UC, so filled in all forms. Have to agree to commitments, DH has to look for work log jobs applied for work coach etc...all fine no problem

But my commitments have come back with I must agree to look for more hours work. I am not sure I can do this... my job is job share split 40/60 so there are no more hours. I have my preschooler everyday I don't work.

Main point is we were just looking for a bit of help for a few months until DH starts and then gets paid for a new job. Chances are he will absolutely get one in next 3 months and then of course will will cease claiming anything and then me working part time will be totally fine again.

It's not that I don't want to work more just not that easy to find something for a few hours a week that will pay more than childcare will cost? Any thoughts/experience? So AIBU not to want to work more hours?

@malok1 can I suggest you repost this in Money Matters which is where those of us with benefits advice experience tend to lurk. Anything here will generate way more heat than light.

As a starter I think we'd need to understand why you have no work requirement right now - is it for example because you have Carer responsibilities?

As I understand it, she doesn’t have any work requirement on UC because she’s already working and isn’t required to increase her hours because her earnings are over the threshold as part of a couple. But I agree with you entirely - AIBU is not the place to post for benefits advice and predictably, the thread has descended into a bun fight, with the OP getting a hard time instead of the advice she was looking for.

@Rosscameasdoody my message was aimed at malok1 rather than the OP.

Apologies, misunderstood.

@Bromptotoo@Babyroobs

Sorry for the delayed response, yes my husband is working and since we have a joint claim, jobcentre confirmed that i am not required to commit working due to my husband having enough earnings but they also said that i can still apply for LCWRA due to the health issues i have.

I am wondering if after the health assessment incase they decide that i am not eligible to LCWRA or i am able to work with some support or limited hours, will that mean i have to take or look for work and will void my exemption from work commitments which i have at the moment due to my husband earning enough ? If yes, then i am thinking not to apply for assessment because scared that if it fails then i will be required to look for work etc which i know is not possible for me with all my health issues.

Or, it will be that i will just not get any extra amount for LCWRA but there will still be no work search requirement provided my husband's earnings enough and applying for assessment regardless of whatever the result is will not change anything with regards to my commitments which is at the moment.

Also, as i understand the LCWRA is £354 a month but will there still be deductions from £354 depending on income of my husband, every month ?

Hi, I am a single mum and currently claim universal credit. I have read that the rules have changed regarding income/hour threshold.

Has this been enforced with anybody yet? As if this is right, then in theory I should be working more hours but they have not yet contacted me.

I would like to hear more from others in a similar situation to myself. TIA XXX

You need to start a new thread rather than piggy backing onto another. People respond to the original post.

Thanks, I’m new to this. Can’t quite see how to add a new one yet x

Go to the relevant board and hit “add thread”