Universal Credit first timer!

[RayRae19]

Just wondered if anyone familiar with the process of claiming UC for childcare costs can help me understand what will happen next?

I've just completed the application for me and OH and submitted the evidence. It's just come up saying if entitled I'll be paid in 31 days depending on circumstances. Is that it? When do I find out if we're actually entitled and whether the screenshots I submitted as evidence were ok? Or do we just wait to see if I get paid?

We're having trouble with the nursery fees so I've just taken on a part time job in the evenings to help. I don't really know how many hours I'll be doing yet, probably about 10 at min wage. I work part time 3 days a week with salary of £12000 and my OH works full time with a salary of £33000.

Obviously if we are entitled that will help massively and I can stick to what I'm working now, otherwise we need to find some more money, so it would really help to know if and what we'll get.

Also I have only just started the part time job this week, won't get paid for another month. I submitted the UC application today with just the details of my day job salary. When do I need to tell them about the part time evening job, and what do I tell them if I don't know exactly what I'll be earning yet? It's waitressing so there's a possibility I'll get tips aswell as the hourly rate.

I know I'm doing this all back to front, we expected OH to be on a higher salary when I went back to work a month ago, but due to various complications he isn't so now we're in a bit of a panic. I've already had to put last month's nursery fees on credit card. I can't really just wait a month to see what happens.

Also, my OH has a son who he pays maintainence for, but we don't have custody. When we were doing the applications I just applied for 1-2 children but I didn't see any bit which took into account the CMA costs. Is that right or did I miss something?

Thanks so much, it makes me nervous because everyone is always talking about UC sanctions and I really don't want to mess this up if it's our chance to rescue our finances.

they don't take into account the CM costs. I think you have to pay childcare costs upfront then claim them back. I doubt you will be awarded any UC on that salary without childcare costs. from what I have read on other forums it is a real pain to submit invoices etc for childcare.

Did you actually submit your childcare costs on the initial application ? You don't find out how much you are going to be paid until a few days before you actually get paid so it won't be appearing on your journal yet. You can use one of the UC calculators online to get a rough idea of what you might get but they are often not terribly accurate.

As your assessment period ends on 12 th August - they can't yet tell you what UC you will get as they will wait for earnings to be reported to them from HMRC and then they will work out your entitlement for that assessment period. If your waitressing earnings will be variable, then your UC may vary although as I said without high childcare costs or a very high rent on that joint salary your award will be zero.

Have you had an appointment with the job centre yet? Doesn't sound as though you have. If you have placed income into the application, then a case manager will write to you on your journal. You need to keep an eye on this.

You should have an initial appointment with the job centre where you'll have an opportunity to submit wage slips etc, you may then be required to attend what's called a 'further evidence' appointment with pay slips as they match with RTI (real time information) with HMRC.

If you're entitled to any of the six benefits rolled into UC, you'll be notified 7 days before any payment is due via your online account. Here you'll need to go to the payment tab which will give you a statement of any award.

Thanks all this is really helpful, think I understand a bit better now about the dates it's being worked out on. I'll keep an eye on the journal for contact from the job centre. Is that what the conforming your identity thing is all about?
I forgot to mention that our childcare costs are £666 a month which seems high to me but I guess it's all relative. Our rent is £700. I think I read on Martin Lewis that if your combined is less than 46K it's worth applying so I thought I'd try.
Thank you x

I think you need to ring up to make an ID appointment.

Yes, OP, if your identity was not completed in the online application then an ID interview will be offered which as a PP has stated, you'll have to call up for the appointment.

Take all your id in and any other information, wage slips, etc. The work coach will then advise if you qualify for an advance.

Good luck.

Mc - as you know a lot more about UC than me can you help on WTC post on this money section as it is turning into a UC one and I am confused and baffled by it. Thanks.

@Babyroobs,

I'll have a look but WTC is not my area. UC is.

I might be wrong, but I doubt you’d get anything extra with an income of 45,000?

There should be calculators out there to work out entitlements. MOney saving expert has one.

Thanks - It has turned into a UC one if you have time to read the whole post.

Thanks @Mc180768 who do I call? The local job centre? I tried to fill it in online but it said it couldn't identify me, maybe I put something in wrong.

No - ring the freephone UC line 0800 3285644.

The number to call is 0800 328 5644.

DP and I have a combined salary of about £32,000 and also have child care costs and we don't get any help at all. However I think it might depend on what area you live in

Thanks guys.
Hmm @MaisieMoo02 that's rubbish Like I said I'm just giving it a try because I read that it was worth applying if you have a combined of £46,000 or less so I'll have to wait and see as I guess it depends on various factors.

Otherwise I guess I'll just have to work more evenings...it's only 3 years until she starts school
Really rubbish that they don't take CMA into account though, doesn't seem fair as we obviously don't have a choice about paying it and it's quite a decent chunk...

Thanks everyone for their help though!