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Original poster

Scared of Universal credit interview 😞

13 replies

Luna87 · 19/01/2024 11:51

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can put my mind at rest;

OH works 38 hours a week in full time employment, I'm currently a stay home mum to a 2 year old and we have 2 other school aged children. We aren't entitled to any childcare and live wage to wage. We pay full council tax rates and don't have any bills subsided but I am entitled to the child tax credit element and receive about £30 a week which goes towards bread, milk and things I need for packed lunches.

Anyway, we got a UC migration notice the other day, so I submitted a new joint claim and have been told that we both need to attend a Universal Credit interview at the job centre.

The plan has always been to get into work once DD goes off to nursery/school and I'm enrolled in a online level 2 customer service course to bolster my CV.

BUT, ever since I got the text message appointment for the interview, I've had a churning feeling in my stomach. Am I going to be shamed for being a SAH mum? Or made out like I'm playing the system? Do I have to attend these regularly, I'm of a nervous disposition at the best of times but this is tipping me over the edge. Has anyone got experience of these things?

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 19/01/2024 12:08

I don't think you've too much to worry about. As your youngest is 2 then you're not required to work but you could be in a work preparation group where you'r be required to engage with a Job Coach and do stuff to improve your chances of work once youngest is three. CA have a useful page on their website.

In reality if your OH is full time you're likely to be earning enough to keep you in a group where, as of now, you don't need to do anything regarding work.

Babyroobs · 19/01/2024 12:26

The interview will likely just be an ID interview. Nothing to worry about.

Deafening · 19/01/2024 12:29

As above you may not need further appointments but if you do it will be about preparing for when your child turns three and the work coach will love that you have thought about it and have a plan.

WithACatLikeTread · 19/01/2024 12:45

How much does he earn?

liverpoolgal82 · 19/01/2024 13:23

It’s most probably an ID interview if they couldn’t verify the both of you on the Gov gateway app. It takes two/three mins to ID you with your ID .

RaininSummer · 19/01/2024 13:39

You may have a commitment meeting depending on husband's earnings but that will just be to talk about future plans for work and see if you need any help. Meetings will be monthly then until youngest is 3 depending on earnings .

coldhandsandtoes · 19/01/2024 13:48

I don't think you have to work until youngest is 3 but they will want to know your plans so they can help you prepare but as you're doing a course to prepare that might be all they want to hear but it's just to give you info on what you're expected and to help you move into employment.
It won't be anything to worry about, you won't be expected to look for work just yet.

Original poster
Luna87 · 19/01/2024 15:21

Thanks everyone, feeling a little less anxious after reading your responses ❤️

OP posts:
Theredfoxfliesatmidnight · 19/01/2024 15:32

Honestly don't spend any more of your time worrying about it, if your experience is anything like mine they couldn't care less during the appointment (they're too busy with other, more complex cases) and can't get you out fast enough. And that's if you don't get a phone call on the day saying don't bother coming in we don't need to see you in person.

Just make sure you are there, on time - lateness or non attendance is the only thing that can go against you.

FedUpMumof10YO · 19/01/2024 16:19

I was in less than 5 minutes. I don't think she even looked at me.

sciencemama · 19/01/2024 20:40

You won't need to work if your youngest is 2. I believe you only need to work something like 15hours per week when your child reaches school age. If you are aiming to look for work that's even better!
Surely you would get support with childcare costs because you are on UC, and you will likely be legible for FSM and holiday play scheme in the school holidays too, ask at your children's school about this that you are on UC and see what they can offer. In Some schools in certain areas the school actually offer money in the form of downloadable vouchers at the beginning of school holidays to cover food costs for the child

WithACatLikeTread · 19/01/2024 20:54

sciencemama · 19/01/2024 20:40

You won't need to work if your youngest is 2. I believe you only need to work something like 15hours per week when your child reaches school age. If you are aiming to look for work that's even better!
Surely you would get support with childcare costs because you are on UC, and you will likely be legible for FSM and holiday play scheme in the school holidays too, ask at your children's school about this that you are on UC and see what they can offer. In Some schools in certain areas the school actually offer money in the form of downloadable vouchers at the beginning of school holidays to cover food costs for the child

Not true. The threshold for FSM is very low with earnings about £7,000 a year on UC. In fact the thresholds for a lot of entitlements on UC are lower than tax credits. Parents of children three years old and above have to look for work or work up to 30 hours on UC. If OP's partner earns above £1085 she wouldn't have to look for work when the child is three although that is increasing.

Vettrianofan · 21/01/2024 19:26

I am studying part time with the OU but also a SAHM and got told to attend an interview between Christmas and New Year. It's just for ID checks that's all. OP it's not anything to worry about. Nothing was said about my position at home and applying for jobs, the person at the job centre was only discussing what ID she was checking through. It was five minutes then headed home. Hope this helps reassure you 😊

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