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

[Inbedbynine]

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

In my area citizens advice would do a calculation for you, some other charities would offer them as well.

Why did you decide to apply for UC? Did you use one of the online benefit calculators? Its really not a good idea to switch unless you know you will be better off as you can't change back.

You apply for Universal Credit online and then you have to call them up on the number which will show on your newly created UC account to arrange an appointment. This appointment is a commitments meeting to sign and say that you will keep up with it and will report change of circumstances immediately.

You will have to prove why you left your job and they will assess whether or not they think you should be on a work-support programme or other programmes. It's completely at their discretion I'm afraid. They are really upping their game and it is a lot more strict. It is designed to make you better off going to work. Again this is purely my experience and this is what I went through.

If you require further advice, I'd speak to Citizens Advice Bureau.

All the best