Do I have to move to UC immediately after baby is born?

[deenagh]

Hi all,

I'm preparing for my 2nd baby to be born, he is due on 20th July.

I am an unemployed single mother, I have one DS who is 2. I am currently receiving income support, child tax credits and child benefit.

I have been aware of Universal Credit since it was rolled out in the area I live (January) but was advised not to apply until there was any "change in circumstances". Obviously, a new baby will count as just that.

I had some savings gathered, in preparation for moving onto UC, to provide for myself and my DC while the application processes (I've been told 5 weeks, but that it can take longer). However, I've been hit with one expense after another recently. I had an accident my mum's car, and had to pay excess to get it and the car I hit repaired, my cat suffered an allergic reaction and needed treatment, and a few days ago my fridge freezer packed in. It's all been really crappy timing.

I have less than two weeks until my baby is due to be born, and I'm no longer financially prepared. So my question is - do I have to apply for UC as soon as the baby is born? Or can I wait until I'm ready?

Obviously I won't receive anything extra for my newborn until I have applied, but I am completely prepared for his arrival - I'm well stocked up on nappies and wipes, I kept all my DS's clothes, pram, cot, etc.

Ideally I would like to stay on my current benefits for another 4-6 weeks, so that I can at least have a little bit saved before all money stops for 5 weeks plus. I know I can apply for an advance payment of UC, but I've heard it isn't much. A friend suggested that I could apply for a budgeting loan, but AFAIK, UC is counted as a new benefit and I won't be eligible to apply for a budgeting loan until I have been on UC for 26 weeks.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm trying my best not to get too stressed, but I'm gutted as I feel like I was really well prepared and now I'm suddenly not!

I would seek advice form CAB. I don't think you would need to switch to UC as you could just add another child to your tax credits claim. You only need to go onto UC if you are applying for a new legacy benefit such as housing benefit. It doesn't appear you are.

Really? If that's the case, that takes a lot of pressure off! I had a meeting in May with my personal adviser at the Jobcentre (I usually go every 6 months) and when I told her I was expecting, all she spoke about was UC, the application process, etc, so I was under the impression that I would have to apply.

CAB is probably my best bet to find out, in any case then! I was so certain that I was organised and prepared and now I'm quite confused!

You have the choice to claim UC but you do not have to, you can remain on IS plus CTC.

a lot of Job centre coaches are not very well informed regarding UC. I cannot see any reason why you would need to go onto UC ( unless you want to ) as you would just be updating your tax credit claim with another child, not making a new claim for a new benefit. Some people are better off on UC but form what I have read and seen it is a bit of a nightmare so best to stay off it as long as you can although of course everyone will be on it eventually.

You’re only change in circumstances would be new baby, who can be added on to CTC. No need to claim UC. In fact do not claim UC until you are migrated onto it by DWP. You’ll have the amount you receive transitionally protected when you’re migrated onto UC as opposed to “voluntarily claiming” before.

Thanks so much everyone! I called the Welfare Changes Advice Line today and they told me the same thing, that the baby won't count as a "change of circumstances trigger". The man I spoke with said that a lot of jobcentre staff are still quite confused about UC themselves.

I'm feeling a MASSIVE sense of relief now! Thanks so much :)