Would dropping work hours trigger move to UC?

[Candlestickchic]

Please could anyone advise? If you’re claiming tax credits, and your working hours drop from 25 to zero (eg through redundancy), would that trigger a move to Universal Credit? Or would you just continue to receive Child Tax Credits but not Working TCs? And would the WTCs start up again upon starting new employment? Thanks

If you don't meet the hours to claim working tax credits then the WTC would stop. You could continue to claim child tax credits, and if you qualify for a contributions based benefit like new style ESA then you could claim that ( it can be claimed for 28 weeks ) in the hope that you find another job. You could then add in wtc again once you find a job. However you are likely to be better off on UC. I would speak to CAB and get a benefit calculation done to see what works best for you. I know Uc seems to get a bad press but honestly loads of people are better off on it unless you have savings . Do you have rent to pay ? If you need help with rent then you cannot now make a new claim for housing benefit so would need to switch to Uc for help with rent.

@Babyroobs

If you don't meet the hours to claim working tax credits then the WTC would stop. You could continue to claim child tax credits, and if you qualify for a contributions based benefit like new style ESA then you could claim that ( it can be claimed for 28 weeks ) in the hope that you find another job. You could then add in wtc again once you find a job. However you are likely to be better off on UC. I would speak to CAB and get a benefit calculation done to see what works best for you. I know Uc seems to get a bad press but honestly loads of people are better off on it unless you have savings . Do you have rent to pay ? If you need help with rent then you cannot now make a new claim for housing benefit so would need to switch to Uc for help with rent.

sorry that should say New style JSA not ESA. Assuming you are looking for a new job.

Thanks @Babyroobs, I only just saw your replies. That’s helpful, and maybe I will get a calculation for UC. Luckily no rent, a hefty mortgage but very flexible so I can go down to interest only if needed. Thanks again