Universal credits question

[doowops]

We currently claim universal credits and just receive a small amount each month towards wraparound care fees.

Unfortunately it's looking like I might be unemployed soon.

I'm wondering how much pressure I'm likely to get from UC to find another job? I fully intend to of course, I'm just thinking it's probably not very easy at the moment, especially with childcare to consider.

OH works full time and usually takes home around £2300 per month. We have two school aged children. (One receives DLA but at the lower rate so I know that doesn't affect work commitments etc.)

To be honest at the moment I'm not sure they are pushing anyone to look for work and as your dh earns a significant amount you will likely be put in the light touch group. Is the DLA middle rate care or definitely lower ? Do you have rent to pay?

If you don't have rent element or disabled child or carers elements on the claim, you wont actually get any Uc and would be better of claiming contributions based JSA assuming you qualify for that.

You also need to bear in mind that the standard couples rate may go down in April as it was just a temporary increase due to covid. I don't think the government have decided yet whether it will drop back to normal rate which would be £80 a month less. If they do reduce it, many will find they don't qualify any more. Personally I don't see how they could not continue with the increase at the moment with so many families struggling.

Is the DLA middle rate care or definitely lower ? Do you have rent to pay?

Yes definitely low rate care and low rate mobility, so we have the £128 ish disabled child element on there.

We do pay rent.

@Babyroobs thank you. We have rent element on there and disabled child element.

We only started claiming a few months ago so we've only had the couples rate with the extra covid payment included, so yes when that drops that's something to consider. Am I right in thinking it was something like £80 a month extra?

I think I've worked out that we would be entitled to between £450 and £650 per month, depending on OH's take home pay. So hopefully that means we'd still get something even when the covid payment stops.

Sorry just read that you've said it is £80, apologies, missed that bit!

Yes if you have rent and disabled child element on there you will definitely get some help. I think you would be in light touch group so they wouldn't ask too much of you regarding looking for work.

I think you would be in light touch group so they wouldn't ask too much of you regarding looking for work.

Thanks that's really reassuring.

Dreading them dropping the basic rate and the housing element again. It made a big difference to me as a renter.

@TheHoneyBadger

Dreading them dropping the basic rate and the housing element again. It made a big difference to me as a renter.

The housing element shouldn't drop as I don't think that was a covid increase, more just an increase in LHA rates I think. I honestly don't think they will be able to drop the covid increase in April, many who are new to Uc wont even realize they are currently getting extra. It's a worry though.

Please contact citizens advice as they can do a full benefits check. Good luck.

I can confirm they aren’t being tyrannical about getting you in to work like they were pre-Covid. I remember pre-Covid there were stories about people being sanctioned unreasonably, one example being because their partner giving birth clashed with the work coach appointment or having an interview come up when the appointment was booked but they definitely have backed off since Covid. My DD’s work coach doesn’t give a shit, and keeps saying stuff like “There’s nothing we can do if there are no jobs around.” even though there are loads in our area on Indeed (granted, they are getting hundreds of applications). I also spoke to my nephew on UC and his last 3 calls with his work coach have been less than 2 minutes long, she doesn’t even bother asking what he’s been doing. She rings him to tick the box then sods off.

@whereismormonjesus

I can confirm they aren’t being tyrannical about getting you in to work like they were pre-Covid. I remember pre-Covid there were stories about people being sanctioned unreasonably, one example being because their partner giving birth clashed with the work coach appointment or having an interview come up when the appointment was booked but they definitely have backed off since Covid. My DD’s work coach doesn’t give a shit, and keeps saying stuff like “There’s nothing we can do if there are no jobs around.” even though there are loads in our area on Indeed (granted, they are getting hundreds of applications). I also spoke to my nephew on UC and his last 3 calls with his work coach have been less than 2 minutes long, she doesn’t even bother asking what he’s been doing. She rings him to tick the box then sods off.

Yes same with my ds. The work coaches are overwhelmed with newly jobless people, they don't have time to spend much time with people.

Work coaches have 10 minutes per claimant to go through security questions/ check ID, discuss jobs, what you've been up to and talk about support available, make referrals and note it all. If a claimant does not answer the phone the first time this also impacts on the short time available.

Work coaches are under a lot of pressure and most have seen their caseloads quadruple or more during the pandemic.

If you're the main carer and will no longer be employed you won't be eligible for help with childcare fees.