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Original poster

Genuine UC query

53 replies

GenuineQuery1 · 23/02/2022 10:35

Ok no goady, not trying to start a fight etc just posting posting traffic and have name changed.

We've never been on any type of benefits before except receiving child benefit, I also don't know anyone on benefits who I can ask and I can't find anything clear online.

When I go back to work after mat leave due to childcare issues and cost I'll only be able to go back to work 2 or 3 days. I've always previously worked full time - this is baby number 2. I've used the entitled to calculator which says we'll be entitled to around £20 a week UC and no other benefits except child benefit.

I wanted to know does this then mean we benefit from other parts of the benefit system such as free dental care and free prescriptions? I genuinely don't know but when I pay for my dentist visits and prescriptions it always has a tick box to say exempt due to benefits etc but is this only for people on benefits solely and not working?? Thank you

OP posts:
WhatInFreshHell · 23/02/2022 10:37

If you receive UC with the child element, you'll be entitled to free dental treatment and prescriptions OP.

cadburyegg · 23/02/2022 10:38

You have to be earning less than £935 plus be on UC to qualify for free dental care and prescriptions, I think. I get £400 a month UC and am not entitled to them because I earn over the threshold

Bea8416 · 23/02/2022 10:41

It’s dependent on how much you earn, there is a checker on the NHS site

services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs/start

Birkenshock · 23/02/2022 12:22

@WhatInFreshHell

If you receive UC with the child element, you'll be entitled to free dental treatment and prescriptions OP.
No, this isn't correct, you still need to earn under £935 a month.

I earn £1700 a month, am entitled to £1900 UC a month, but don't get free school meals/prescriptions etc etc

unicornsarereal72 · 23/02/2022 13:04

No. You will still have to pay for dentist eye test and prescriptions. You might be entitled to some help with the child care costs though.

Original poster
GenuineQuery1 · 23/02/2022 13:59

What's the child element? Sorry I'm clueless. It didn't mention anything about that on entitled to - just said we'd get about £20 a week. I'd be earning £1800 per month for working 2 days per work so if there is a limit of £900 ish for free dentist etc I guess that wouldn't apply.

Curious - how does someone who earns £1700 per month be eligible for £1900 UC? Is it likely you're a single parent and have high childcare costs?we're weighing up my husband cutting days at work to due to juggling childcare and school holidays etc - I wonder if this would increase our entitlement to UC?

I also don't understand why we're only eligible for £20 per week when it seems others are entitled to huge amounts more. Maybe I'm entering something wrong?

OP posts:
Original poster
GenuineQuery1 · 23/02/2022 13:59

*2 days per week

OP posts:
CactusFlowers · 23/02/2022 14:00

You might be better off getting tax free childcare instead.

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/02/2022 14:01

Your answered your own question cheaper rent abs cheaper or no childcare costs. And possibly less children abs nobody with a disability.

MyDcAreMarvel · 23/02/2022 14:01

*and

Thoosa · 23/02/2022 14:04

I'd be earning £1800 per month for working 2 days per work so if there is a limit of £900 ish for free dentist etc I guess that wouldn't apply.

£1800 a month for two days?
Is the childcare you can’t afford a specialist SN nanny?

Dreamingofkfc · 23/02/2022 14:05

Surely the obvious answer if you earn 1800 for 2 days is to work more days and just pay the childcare costs? It's a cost that comes with having children
How much does your husband earn?

Thoosa · 23/02/2022 14:07

I also don't understand why we're only eligible for £20 per week when it seems others are entitled to huge amounts more. Maybe I'm entering something wrong?

Because you’re earning a good professional salary, I should imagine.

Most people who qualify for UC don’t earn anything like 1800£ pcm, even FT.

Are you sure you’re not goading?

Thoosa · 23/02/2022 14:09

Oh sorry YOU earn £1800 a month for a two day week and you also have a working husband?

You’re goading.

CorrBlimeyGG · 23/02/2022 14:10

I could be wrong, but perhaps the OP means 'we' earn £1800, meaning as a couple.

Thoosa · 23/02/2022 14:11

@CorrBlimeyGG

I could be wrong, but perhaps the OP means 'we' earn £1800, meaning as a couple.
”I’d be earning £1800 per month for working 2 days per work”

How does it sound like she means both of them?

Original poster
GenuineQuery1 · 23/02/2022 14:13

Sorry its £1800 for 3 days not 2!! I earn less than £40k a year so not goady at all

Husband earns £30k

Can't work more and pay for more childcare as with holiday clubs etc for school holidays overall it doesn't make financial sense and would be way too expensive with the nursery fees on top. We also have no childcare help at all so would have to fund most of the holidays and would get no time at all with our children really which seems a shame. Which is why for the first time in my life I considered part time work and claiming something on a system I've paid into yet never taken out of in 20+ years of work but wanted some help with it from people who have experience. Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
GenuineQuery1 · 23/02/2022 14:14

Circa £40k and £30k are both our salaries based on full time work I should add

OP posts:
CorrBlimeyGG · 23/02/2022 14:15

OP, you know your UC claim is based on both your incomes, don't you?

Thoosa · 23/02/2022 14:17

Well I earn similarly to you and the only time I’ve ever qualified for anything was 1) when I was too ill to work and 2) when I was a full time carer for a spell while we sorted out a placement for a family member.

I’m confused that anyone with 2 good salaries would expect otherwise.

Tax free childcare is the more middle class scheme.

FourTeaFallOut · 23/02/2022 14:18

You don't get free dental care and free prescriptions with a household income of £50k, op. Bless.

Namechangehereandnow · 23/02/2022 14:21

You have a combined income of over £50,000 and you’re wondering why you don’t get much UC?? Really??

Jeez … imagine if you lived in the real world …

22Giraffes · 23/02/2022 14:24

Yea there's a reason you're only entitled to £20 Hmm

nearlyspringyay · 23/02/2022 14:26

I'm amazed you get £20 a week, go back ft and pay for childcare.