Universal Credit Meeting

[rockbottombird]

I've never claimed anything, my situation has suddenly changed and me and my two children are in temporary accommodation having left the family home and my very controlling H. I was asked to complete an online application which I did, tomorrow I have a meeting. What does this involve? I've been asked to take ID with me.. can I take my children? I can't leave them and we are miles from friends / family. I have a part time job and work from home, it's flexible and works well around my children needs. I'm hoping to increase my hours once we have a more permanent home but for now that's just not an option. Any info/guidance would be much appreciated

It will just be verification for your new claim so checking documents, ID etc. I guess if in temporary accommodation you wont have a tenancy agreement but if you do then take that.
Once your Uc claim is up and running you will need to agree to work commitments and may be asked to work more hours depending on the ages of your children. Also as you are self employed you may need to have a meeting to discuss your employment, check you are gainfully self employed etc.
If you are escaping DV then make sure they know that as I think it can make a difference to work commitments - they can make easements/ give you extra time and not expect too much for the first few months.
It should be fine to take your kids with you,.

It will be for just checking your id etc. Have you got passports or birth certificates for your kids or can you show bank statements to show you get child benefit for them?

Did your housing officer explain that you need to apply for Housing Benefit for help with your rent? If not ask about it at your UC meeting they should be able to point you in the right direction. I have no idea why rent for temp accommodation isn’t paid via UC like other rent but it isn’t.

Also make sure you apply for your 25% reduction in council tax for being a single person and you may be able to apply for council tax reduction. Have a look on your councils website for the criteria.

Thank you both, useful information. I have no tenancy agreement but some paperwork relating to the address. I have moved due to DV so will ensure I mention that. I'm in a permanent pt role so have payslips and mine and the children's passports / ID which should hopefully be what they are after. Both children are diagnosed with SEN hence my flexible pt working arrangements. I have already spoken to my boss about extra hours to help support myself better and it's been agreed this can happen once I'm a little more settled.