To apply for UC or stay on tc in these circumstances

[JaffacakesAreCakesNotBiscuits]

So I'm a Sahm gave up work after dd born simply due to childcare issues for baby plus have a teen to work around

Tax credits obvs base in previous Yr earnings so take into consideration my last Yr.

Dp works 50 hour week employed and has his own business but its more like a hobby as it makes no money really.. He's going to notify hmrc he's closing it at the end of the financial year when the accountant does his books.. As we know it's likely at a loss or just break even..

So just done a calculator on turn to us and it says we're entitled to 3x the amount than getting on TC..

Obviously once baby is in sch ill be returning to work as what I do is very easy to get into and I know a few in the profession. But if not I'd happily do whatever there is around...

Dp is paid the last day of the month. So not likely to be 2 payments in an assessment period as far as I can work out

Wed apply the middle of the month once all our bills are paid and we're covered as u know its a 5 odd week wait to be processed.

Would u say its worth it as ours is straight forward or not..

Self employment rules are strict on UC and they assume an income of 35 x NMW when you're well and 'should' be working full time. Google 'minimum income floor'.

However it reads like you'd be applying once the business was shut down in which case I would apply. Be aware that your husband will be expected to look for work full time, including if he's working part time. You'll be held to the same once your child is 3. Good luck.

He has a full time employment AND a self employed business. The selfb employed business isn't a job you could do 35 hours anyway. ( think caberet / entertainment /dj) as the hours he does is 9 till midnight.. As and when he gets a gig.. Hence its at a loss.
His full time employment is a completely different field of work and is more ' normal' at 50 hours a week.

So when he shuts thb business hell just have the ft 50 hour employed job

You can ask TC to recalculate your income based on current earnings now if your income will be falling by £2500. It's what they do at the end of the year anyway, but you can ask for it to be done early.

I wouldn't come off TC and move to UC lightly. Your UC claim will have to be managed a lot more intensively than a TC claim. UC claims can also be shut down if you don't action a "to-do" on your online account quickly enough. If you have variations in your income (like a bonus, or if you are paid 4 weekly, or you receive Christmas pay early) you can find you are not entitled to UC at all suddenly and you have to reclaim. And this can leave you short of money.

IME there are more responsibilities and expectations on claimants. Problems with claims are not dealt with fairly and reasonably. And there are lots more issues with claims causing them to close or pyts significantly reduced.

I find it surprising that UC would be do much more than TC. Just check that you are definitely getting the correct amount of TC incl all the elements and accounting for your current years income not last years income. .

Yes have done the calculations. Because tc base it from when I was working.
He's paid calendar monthly
Think will leave for now seems too scary. Thank you

And he gets paid exathe same to the penny. No bonus or overtime

Ring tax credits and get them to update your figures- if it's based on your income it's going to be way out! They can do that mid year. (Both DP and I are self employed. I update our figures several times per year!)