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Query re applying for UC (Boo hoo) when working in a school

4 replies

Elesha123 · 11/03/2019 15:16

I wonder if anyone can help me. I've tried speaking to CAB and can't get through to the UC helpline.

My H and I have decided to separate. I am staying in the house with 9 year old DD and H has found a small flat, literally up the road, within walking distance.

H has agreed to keep on paying the mortgage and this will go direct from his B/A into the building society, but he can't afford anymore than that. Totally get it and that's fine.

So I need to apply for UC. But I don't know what I'm supposed to put in for my hours and I'm hoping someone may help me...

I work 23.75 hours per week in a school but as a TA I only get paid for 39 weeks of the year, but spread out over 12 months. So when I put in my hours worked per week as 23.75 but then put in my measly annual salary it comes back and says 'please check your figures as this falls below national minimum wage'.

NB that this is just on the calculators so far as I'm assuming I can't actually make an application until H moves out, which should be mid April...

So should I work out my hours based over 52 weeks (it would work out at around 17.8 hours a week)? I really don't know what to do.

Also, is there a question where it asks me about my living situation and if so, do I just say that I don't have any living costs as H is paying the mortgage? I currently only have £700 a month to live on so really need to hope that I'm entitled to something. It looks on the calculators that I should be getting around £400 a month but don't know how to word my work situation and hours worked...

Any advice will be gratefully received.

OP posts:
Tumbleweed101 · 11/03/2019 18:05

With tax credits term time working is your actual worked hours per week (23.75). It pops up on the calculator with them too to check figures.

I’m hoping UC is the same as we’re now in a new UC area and if I have to make any changes I’d be stuck too with this situation as I do 40hr term time. As for what actually happens I don’t know, but interested to hear.

jemihap · 11/03/2019 18:25

Why do you need to apply for UC?

Have you considered getting a second as you currently work such few hours anyway?

jemihap · 11/03/2019 18:27

second job

(It's obviously such a radical concept I subliminally couldn't even bring myself to write it)

RandomMess · 11/03/2019 18:35

I would treat the £700 as voluntary child and spousal maintenance declare it as that.

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