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.

People like your brother are victims of the system.

No, that's not why we're fed up of opinions like hers.

@ChristOlive Well higher tax payers pay for a lot in this country. Many people don’t pay tax for years and years.

As people like the OP have said repeatedly, nobody’s attacking anyone. We’re pointing out that the system is unjust and short-sighted.

Everything.

when I was on stat mat leave my friend on UC was raking in double my income when I’d been working and saving for mat leave then had the cheek to say “oh I get more than that” lol we’re not friends anymore..

Okay, then your take home pay wasn’t £1500, it was around £2300.

But even on £35k per year, with £800 per month childcare costs you would be entitled to around £110 per week in UC.

There is no “you’re not entitled if above X threshold”, it’s a big picture thing and so actually with childcare factored in lots of people are entitled.

Again- the only reason you were not entitled is because your household earnings were too high, so being angry at those who had less money than you (when you actually clearly didn’t understand the UC system yourself) is pointless.

@Morgenrot25 so what you’re saying is people can never discuss this topic then?

You've made the right choice for your family, as you should.

UC claimants not having to work for 3 years after having a baby are making the right choices for them.

The UC claimants will be made to look for work after 3 years though, so that choice isn't forever.

I understand in that they’re trying to safeguard vulnerable children, but I totally agree with the sentiment. I am the same - my youngest is too young for holiday clubs so I’ve had to find a nanny to pay by the hour to patch together holiday care. It does feel very unfair.

Agree OP
It disincentivises work, and people milk the system.

Nope.
As the thread goes on it's clear that OP doesn't really have a clue about life for those who actually rely on UC to survive (wholly or as a top up).

I was with an acquaintance in her 60s recently, she has a progressively debilitating condition, and now uses a walker to get about. She’s signed off (retail) work, on sick pay, and gets some DLA. Occ health don’t think she’ll be able to return to work, she’s too young to get her pension. Always worked, albeit low paid, took on a mortgage after divorce in her forties. She is in the process of claiming UC.

If she was renting she’d get at least the local housing allowance towards her housing costs, with a mortgage, she won’t.

There aren’t any rules when you’re employed, you decide what to do.

But we need to look at this as a society, not individualistically. The system doesn’t work. We have thousands of higher rate tax payers choosing not to work which damages the economy (and healthcare access) and we have thousands of low income households opting not to work at all. It’s an increasing issue and as a country, we can’t afford it.

It does not seem that way to me. Instead of fostering resentment, and bitterness towards other people, use that energy to try, and effect change within the system, if you are that pressed. Write to your MP, whatever!

Op you aren't very bright if you think that quitting your job and being on universal credit unemployed for 3 years means you're better off!

My childcare costs more than I earn! But I'd never quit my job (I have a husband so its not just me working)

I have never stopped contributing to my pension since i've had my kids and I've since progressed at work and get payrises every year!

If I'd quit and sat on UC id have not progressed and I have no idea how id get back in to the workplace!

If you had done that where would you be at now do you think?

This is a perfect example of why working doesn’t pay.

@Morgenrot25 you’re extremely naive if you think all UC claimants live in poverty. Lol

Another argument for keeping the 2 child cap on benefits !

Because practically parents of small children forced back into work with no parent at home don’t make great employees. They’re exhausted and they’re dealing with nursery plague.

People returning to work after maternity leave have some legal protection, particularly if they’ve been there two years or more. New employees don’t. There’s a high chance of a large amount of people starting work then getting sacked repeatedly which makes them less employable than if they’d just stayed home an extra two years.

You've made your choices in the best interests of your family rather than society though.

The low income households will have to work after 3 years. It's not forever.

I can’t recall my exact earnings but I know what my take home was.

I don’t begrudge people who NEED this and want to work but the lazy fuckers who think it’s a holiday and don’t want to / can’t be bothered to work. Why do they need 85% of their childcare paid when they do fuck all? 😂

i imagine they each have more than one child.