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Working 15 hours per week. Would I still be eligible for an UC, CTC or WTC

4 replies

Bryonybytheseaside · 18/03/2021 20:30

I've always been under the impression that in order to qualify for any UC, WTC or CTC you have to work at LEAST 16 hours per week.
Is this still correct? Sorry, I'm not really up to date with all the rules.
For context I'm a single mum to a little girl (5 years old) and currently working 22 hours per week in a role I'm trying to leave (the commute is too long).
I've just seen a local job that fits my skills but it's only 15 hours per week.
If I were to work just 15 hours per week would I no longer be eligible for any tax credits or UC?
I've never claimed UC, I'm on CTC and WTC.

OP posts:
willibald · 18/03/2021 20:34

It's all UC now. No more tax credits, those are legacy benefits. You can claim UC whilst working 15 hours/week.

VanCleefArpels · 19/03/2021 13:26

Read this about legacy benefits and whether your change in circumstances mean you have to move to UC

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/before-you-apply/moving-to-universal-credit-from-other-benefits/

You might also want to do an online benefits check to see if overall you might be better off under UC in any event - but don’t change before you have checked because you can’t then go back to legacy benefits. Try Turn2Us for a check

SpideyMom · 19/03/2021 21:40

I would have thought falling under the 16 hours required for tax credits it will mean you are forced to move onto UC.
I am on TCs and am praying my circs dont change as a move to UC is a significant drop for me. Its not always the case though. Many are better off on UC

Babyroobs · 19/03/2021 22:50

On Uc with a child aged 5 the expectation is that you look for work earning 25 x nmw. How much they enforce it I don't know.

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