Does anyone have any positive UC experiences?

[WibblyWobblyWonder]

I finished uni just before Christmas, my ex and I split nearly 2 years ago, so currently I'm a single parent with 3 children and no job. At the moment I'm receiving child tax credit, child benefit and child maintenance from my ex. I applied for housing benefit but have been told by the council that they no longer deal with housing benefit and that I'd have to switch over to universal credit in order to receive any help.

Has anyone switched over from TC to UC and had a positive outcome? All I've heard is awful stories and I'm really scared to switch, but I'm also completely broke and really need the help with rent until I can actually get a job (another rejection email today ). I haven't been able to pay my gas and electric bill or my car insurance this month because the money has all gone on rent and food (and I budget HARD with food).

I'm just stuck in a shit place I guess and not sure what to do for the best?

No child maintenance does Not affect UC. You will have transitional protection SomeHalf if you move as part of managed migration.

Thanks, that's reassuring

Some seem better off, some not so much. I think renters are as they get a rent element in UC but may not have been previously eligible for HB. I don't think a mortgage interest element is included.

There is no mortgage element as such in UC but if you are entitled to a work allowance which anyone with children or limited capability for work will be then the work allowance is higher than for those claiming the rent element. This means that the first £503 of earnings is completely disregarded before earnings reduce your total Uc. I actually think this is really quite generous and especially so if you actually have no housing costs because you won your home outright or live with relatives who don't charge you rent !

Yes - been on UC during maternity. No problems at all, no late payments & no Hassall

@Babyroobs

I am currently on carers allowance, HB, CTC, Income Support & PIP
I hope to start my own small business over the next 2 years or so.
If I got moved to UC, could I earn up to £503 pcm before my UC was reduced? (I have called CAB and benefits lines and they dont know!)

Up to £503 per month is ignored as it is the work allowence allowed.

@Pinboard
The £503 is ignored providing you don't get the rent element. I see you get HB so you will get the rent element. The first £287 of earnings will be ignored instead.
They will deduct your carer's allowance from your UC. No idea re PIP.

PIP is not means tested so does not affect UC.

@Lifeisabeach09

My situation is: currently PIP and DLA for both my kids and Carers.
I get IS and HB as I left my H. However we have now agreed that I will move back to the marital house (small mortgage). I will remain single.

My CAB tell me i will not be moved onto UC as I will not claim HB as moving back to house with mortgage (understand I can apply for Ctax help though). Also i receive Sev Dis benefit which protects me from current transition to UC.

In 2 years all benefits are up for review. I hope, as the kids get older, to get myself in the position that i can run a small business from home.

Its how i transition from current position to that that I cant seem to find out. No one will tell me 'until i do it' ?

I'm guessing that although i can earn a small amount under Carers rules that it will simply come straight off my IS and therefore endanger that? I tried working out of the house last year and it was a disaster for both my health and that of my kids and it was very difficult to get back onto my previous benefits so i am very cautious about making my life any more difficult.

Not everyone gets a work Allowance, only claimants with kids or LCW/RA element (equivalent of WRAG or support group on ESA)