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Original poster

Some advice please? Just about to apply for universal credit...

27 replies

Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:12

Iv had to give up my job due to my caring responsibilities to one of my disabled dc. I have been paid my last full wage and last day is next week. I will be applying tomorrow. I know that I will have to attend an interview at the job centre. When do I arrange that? What will happen? Will I have to prove anything about why I have left my job? I obviously have all the dla and carers allowance paperwork.... also any tips for the process??

Tia

OP posts:
azulmariposa · 28/05/2019 16:21

Citizens advice would be the best place to ask, they have advisors that can help you apply.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:22

My local cab were no help at all. They had to phone UC to answer my questions and certainly weren’t able to help me work out what I would be entitled to etc

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MissYeti · 28/05/2019 16:26

My interview was arranged by phone call once all the online application was filled in. All they did was check some details like rent amount and address, bank details and such and were really nice about it. It's nothing to worry about

MyDcAreMarvel · 28/05/2019 16:27

No, as a carer you will have no work conditionality so you don’t have to “ prove” why you left your job.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:29

Iv seen it asks for landlord details... do they actually contact them? Also it will I presume ask my wage, but I will have one more pay slip at the end of June but will be about a weeks worth but I won’t know the amount until I’m paid it which will be in a months time.... how will this affect the process?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:29

Thanks mydc so will I just have the one interview and then be left alone?

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MyDcAreMarvel · 28/05/2019 16:31

In theory yes, although with IS they interview people every year or so to ask if you are still a carer.

MissYeti · 28/05/2019 16:31

It shouldn't affect it at all. They ask for your last years worth of wages but you'll have a 5 week assessment period which is their way of checking what comes into your account during the month. Your payment is based off that.

I don't think they actually contact your landlord. Mine most certainly hasn't mentioned it

stucknoue · 28/05/2019 16:34

You need to apply online on the day after you are paid until. It's not that tricky but you need to have to hand all your details including landlord, no number etc. You then get an interview - dd was called if I remember rightly but it will tell you the process online. You will need a computer or larger tablet to apply as phones are too tiny. (Some librarians are experienced in helping people)

stucknoue · 28/05/2019 16:37

As a carer they will interview you and may require evidence as to why you cannot seek part time work, I only claimed carers benefit which they left me alone but I know since they have brought in back to work measures

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:37

So today is my normal pay date although it went in on Friday. So that’s why I’m applying tomorrow.... that’s ok isn’t it? 28th June I will get about a weeks worth but I don’t know how much it will be yet? So will they do all my calculations based on me earning a normal month wage and then adjust it on the second payment? Am I classed as unemployed now if I’m working my notice?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:37

I wish I could still work part time but I can’t due to the amount of time my son is at home, hence why I have had to give up my current part time job.

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stucknoue · 28/05/2019 16:38

I think you have to work your notice first, you aren't eligible until after you finish work for the last time

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:39

So next Wednesday is my last day of notice period, so I can’t apply until then?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:40

In my current ‘employed’ status I would be entitled to universal credit....

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WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 28/05/2019 16:48

If you aren't actually a registered carer for your son and in receipt of carers allowance they will make you look for work. It is very very strict now and they won't just pay you to stay home and care for your son without going through the proper channels. You can apply anytime but you cannot say you're unemployed until you have actually left your job, you will then be called into the local jobcentre to show your ID and finish setting up your online account. You won't be given any payment for at least 5 weeks so can ask for an advance. You will then be expected to look for work for up to 35 hours per week and show proof via your online account you have done this.

WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 28/05/2019 16:50

Apologies Ive just realised you have carers allowance already. They also don't contact your landlord you just have to show proof of your tenancy and that you've paid your rent

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:50

I already get carers allowance, I have for years. I’m already on WTC etc but obviously losing a lot of money so will be switching to UC....

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:52

That’s ok. I’m a LP, I have everything, paperwork for my tenancy agreement, dla, carers allowance, have my payslips etc etc.

I was told I could apply tomorrow even though I’m not classed as unemployed until next Thursday?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 28/05/2019 16:53

So if I apply tomorrow I have to say I’m employed and say how many hours I do and my wage? Then what happens on my last day of employment? Who do I contact?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 29/05/2019 14:04

Anyone else?

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dirtystinkyrats · 29/05/2019 16:59

Are you sure you will be better off on Universal Credit? The majority of people aren't. I wouldn't switch until you have had a proper comparison done by Citizens Advice or another similar charity.

In terms of process: You apply online, you might be able to verify ID online, you might not. Either way you get an appointment at your local JC and get assigned a work coach. Your first payment will be 5 weeks after you apply based on the first 4 weeks income after you apply - your first 'assessment period'. Your tax credits will stop immediately so you may want to apply just after getting a TC payment. You can also apply for an advance but they will take that back out of future payments so JC discourage you doing that unless you really need it.

As soon as you have a change of circumstance (eg finish work) you can update them online through your journal. You are given a number of conditions you have to meet depending on which group you get put in. If you are a full time carer it might just say that you need to update them should anything change, and you will probably get an occasional contact - like once every 6 months or every year to check nothing has changed.

This is all according to the DWP about how it is 'supposed' to work in my area BTW, the reality of it can be different!

If you get council tax reduction that is still administered by your local authority you need to contact your council about reduction in income as that is still separate to UC.

Babyroobs · 29/05/2019 20:21

As above check you are better off before you switch. You will lose working tax credits but the disabled child premiums are not as generous on Uc unless on higher rate care.

Original poster
Inbedbynine · 29/05/2019 20:30

I have another thread that’s active on this so apologies if I don’t answer anything.

My disabled dc does get the high rate care of dla so I’m guessing that is what is making the difference?

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Original poster
Inbedbynine · 29/05/2019 20:31

babyroots this is the problem, I can’t find out before hand. Yes I know what I get now but I can’t anywhere get an answer of exactly what I would get on UC, that’s the problem.

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