Working expectations for parents on UC

[BlackCatGreyWhiskers]

AIBU to find this really frustrating? Basically there is no expectation for parents to work until their child is age 3. So if a family has more than one child that could be several years.

Whereas maternity leave is only 9-12months.

Especially as universal credit claimants can actually get help towards childcare expenses.

I don’t understand why there is a mismatch between the employed and unemployed?

When I went back after maternity, my pay was around £1500 and my childcare £800, then after I went back with my second my childcare went up to £1200. So I earnt next to nothing for 5 years before the eldest started school.

Why didn't you just quit and live off UC for 3 years then?

Quite!

I agree. It’s ridiculous and needs overhauling

People on UC won't have the career and pension advantages that those returning to work have.

You have the same choice - worse prospects by quitting and going on UC, or better prospects by returning to work.

Yes, this, if it is so appealing.

YANBU, it’s a pisstake. I don’t know why you disabled voting but I’m sure the vast majority agree with you.

What you have to consider though is that UC might cost the government less than childcare + UC top up. It may not be worthwhile having these people work.

I have never claimed and had very little knowledge of the system. Only discovered today that you’re not actually expected to work for the first 3 years!

It’s much lower than it used to be. Used to be 12 at at one time even 16!

Well there's clearly some reason why you didn't give up your job and live a life of luxury being a SAHP on UC.

Yes, never having enough money probably is quite appealing. 🫣

It’s ridiculous - stay at home as long as you want but you shouldn’t receive benefits to do so.

Well it was to retain my job. Basically. As you can see from the maths it wasn’t a purely financial decision.

So you’re saying you get less than £300 pcm? Because that’s what I was coming out with. Also deduct fuel and car maintenance from that because I also had to travel to work.

I do wonder if this will change now there’s 30hrs available for babies aged 9m+.

Is it in society's interests to have everyone in work as soon as their child is born?

I don't know, that's what we all used to do when we worked on the fields, we just dropped a child, slung it on our backs and carried on. Is that the sort of society you'd like, OP?

On pay of £1.5k and childcare of £800 were you not entitled to help with childcare costs?

I suspect you also have work ethic and take pride in yourself for providing for your family.

I have never understood why this is the case

From her DH, at least I'd have thought.

It’s up to parents to decide when to return to work but staying at home shouldn’t be at everyone else’s expense.

so what? if you don't have your own private or state pension you'd have pension credits of almost the same value but also other benefits covered for you. Great equaliser. Also your care home if you need one will be paid for you. It's very likely you'll end up in the same home as someone who pays for their own and subsidises you.

So - that being the case, that it’s in our interests for a Mum to stay at home - why does that only extend to parents claiming universal credits? If that’s true - and yes I believe a child benefits from a primary carer being at home/taking care of them; why is that not extended to women who are also employed?

You wouldn't have been much better off on UC, and in the long run you're much better off.

What do you want, more leave for yourself, or less leave for those pesky UC claimants?

oh fgs, you're hardly living a life of luxury on UC and because of the 2 child limit you're not going to get a hugely increased amount.

And I think the UK has the lowest age limit in Europe when parents have to return to work or lose the benefits. 3 is considered pretty draconian

I just want a fair playing field and equal expectations of parents. If staying off work until they’re 3 is optimal then everyone should have the option.