Universal Credit

[Lou22000]

Hi, just wanted to ask if anyone nows about non workers on universal credit. I've been on maternity leave now for a year and due to go back to work pretty soon I do 12 hours a week and my husband works full time.

We currently get universal credit not much but a little is enough these days. I am thinking of giving up my job as we Carnt afford child care it would just be a case of working to pay for it. So I suggested I stay at home till baby is in school. My question is would universal credit make me look for work when I have children under 3 years old?

Are you aware you can get up to 85% of child care costs paid from UC?

There is a guide around this that I've seen in the past but can't locate it.
I think that under 2 years they wouldn't expect you to work but then after that you are expected to work.apply for X amount of hours.
Sorry I don't know the specifics but there is something out there!

I'm sure it's after they turn one now, due to them helping with childcare so much. My sister had to start attending workfit interviews towards the end of her maternity leave due to her getting no wages. They said the purposes of the interviews was to help her find employment or better paid employment

Here.

And this is the link;

www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/Claimant-Commitment-Conditionality

With a one year old there's no point giving up your job, in 24 months you'd be expected to work. And the job market might not be so kind in 24 months time.

I'd stay where you are and apply for childcare costs.

Because op has a working partner she will likely just be put in the light touch group meaning they would do very little to push her to look for work as long as he partner was earning over the AET which has just gone up to around £750 a month. It is a ridiculously low amount that people can earn and still claim top ups and not be expected to look for work. Not so lenient on lone parents though.

Read about if you have a child 3 and under www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/what-youll-need-to-do-on-universal-credit/claimant-commitment-what-group/#h-you-re-responsible-for-a-child

Childcare costs
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/check-how-much-universal-credit-youll-get/#h-if-you-pay-for-childcare

I would go back to work and claim child care cost. There is a recession coming and if you have a job grab hold of it. Many people who believe their job is secure will find out is not and will be made redundant. The government want to get rid of 90,000 civil servants. Many self employed tradespeople find people put off having jobs done as no spare cash. I would go back to work, it is only part time and claim childcare and save money for rising utilities.

Absolutely agree with everything caringcarer has said.

Do not give up your job.
God alone knows what is around the corner for us in the UK, but I am sure you would be able to claim some childcare costs somehow.

What about getting an evening job instead? Or weekend job?
Do not give up your financial independence.