Universal credit

[Nanny9052]

Hello!

I'm hoping to get some advice or to understand better this whole thing.

I claim UC and live in a 1bed flat with my daughter who just turned 3 in nov.

I had my first meeting with work coach about getting back to work.

And honestly I am STRESSING!

My daughter is entitled to 15hours funding which she already does.

Could someone explain the rules about finding work or having to work when I have no help from anyone.

I thought I didn't need to work till she goes to primary school, which that would help a lot
but also how can I do it? I feel like it’s impossible so if anyone was ever in my shoes
I need encouragement please

Hello!

I'm hoping to get some advice or to understand better this whole thing.

I claim UC and live in a 1bed flat with my daughter who just turned 3 in nov.

I had my first meeting with work coach about getting back to work.

And honestly I am STRESSING!

My daughter is entitled to 15hours funding which she already does.

Could someone explain the rules about finding work or having to work when I have no help from anyone.

I thought I didn't need to work till she goes to primary school, which that would help a lot
but also how can I do it? I feel like it’s impossible so if anyone was ever in my shoes
I need encouragement please

You claim the childcare element of UC the work coach can refer you to get an upfront payment for deposits and initial payment if upfront money is required....normal UC is paid in arrears once you have a receipt from your provider so once you pay them the UK initial fees you put in claim and use the payment for the next lot of fees. UC pays up to 85% if your working more than 16 hours you can get 30 hours 3 year funding....but remember the funding is paid term time only or if you use a setting that allows it to be stretched it would equate to approximately 22 hours not 30. you then claim UC on anything not covered by funding.

What happens if you can't afford to pay upfront and claim it back ?

You ask your work coach at the job centre about a loan or ask UC directly it's paid back in very small amounts.

Yes everything said above is correct as I have used the 85 percent claim back. If your really stuck then make sure you talk to an advisor at the job centre to help you understand it all.

I dont know what your work background is or what experience you have but I work term time only and it fits in fantastic with having kids. Maybe support work in a school, or college? Teaching assistant, cleaning, or kitchen assistant in a school/ college all offer good hours to fit in well with being a single mum.