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Universal credit & Cutting work hours

6 replies

nicoleferrari91 · 01/07/2019 19:32

So I am currently getting UC (Varies every month since starting in Feb). I work at the moment 20 hours a week and partner works 40 a week. I pay £625 nursery fees a month and £185(3 days pw) a month afterschool fees. I usually finish work at 3pm so pick DS from afterschool at 3.30 which to me is a waste of money as he's usually just in for 5 mins.
I have been at my current job for 3 months and usually have to start at 730am or work until 9pm which has been fine as DH has been off with knee surgery but is due back in a week. So I wont have anyone to pick Ds up from school or even take him as the only other person we have is my mum who starts at 8am. When i took the job i was told it was 10-2 by the agency but after the first week was told otherwise and tried to speak to them but said they can't accommodate it.

Now, I have been offered a new job that is term time and only 12.5 hours a week BUT it means i can take my DS out of afterschool saving £185 a month. Obviously I will be earning less but £185 is a bigger saving and also DS gets bullied at afterschool and absolutely hates it.

So I contacted UC today to ask if this is still ok working hours etc and have been given an appointment with my work coach. Now I'm shtting myself incase I'm sanctioned or something for taking less hours. Ive been trying to look it up online but can only find that is says tou should work 24 hours between you.

Can anyone help with this?

OP posts:
nicoleferrari91 · 01/07/2019 21:06

Anyone? Sad

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 01/07/2019 23:15

I think as long as your partner earns over a certain amount it will be ok.

AnotherEmma · 01/07/2019 23:20

How old is your DS?
What's the pay for the new job?

AnotherEmma · 01/07/2019 23:26

(Just realised you pay nursery fees too, how old is your youngest?)

nicoleferrari91 · 01/07/2019 23:41

They are 3 & 6

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 02/07/2019 14:20

It depends on your income. Strictly speaking, once your youngest is 3 you are supposed to work 16h/w minimum, but they only care about your earnings, so if you're earning more than £569/month (the equivalent of 16h/w at NMW) it's fine. I'm not completely sure how it works for joint claims - I'd have to look it up - but Babyroobs said that your partner's earnings are relevant, which makes sense. I can't see that it would be an issue as he's working 40h/w.

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