Universal credit managed migration thread

[ChristmasCatBells]

Anyone else waiting for a migration notice this year?
Looks like they are planning to move people on tax credits only onto universal credit this year but haven't released any detailed timetables about areas.
Thought it might be useful to share experiences and information on here for those affected.

I had two appointments today so thought I'd update on what it was like as a self-employed bod. The first one was with my work coach and she was lovely! Asked me about personal circumstances that might affect how many hours I can work as the application for UC doesn't give much option. As I have 3 kids with autism and another under CAHMS, plus depression/anxiety/panic attacks I talked about those and she adjusted my working hours. I didn't ask. I almost cried I was so relieved.

I showed my tax info and examples of the work I've done for clients, plus my social media accounts and that was enough. I now have quarterly meetings with her, have to spend at least 15 hours a week finding more work (I suggested 30) and 12 months to work up to full-time hours and a full-time income.

I have five current & savings accounts - I showed the 3 months of statements and also the current balance. I have a little over £6k in all the accounts. Two hours later I've been notified of my payment and they've taken £17 off. I was very stressed and anxious about them but it was all good.

@womanwithissues do your kids get DLA (or PIP if over 16)?

Shocked you have to have regular meetings and look for work for 15 hours a week when you have children with disabilities.
I thought if you were a carer you didn't need to look for more work.
Me and my husband both work part time due to caring I was hoping we wouldn't be expected to do those additional things.

No, nothing. They're all high functioning in terms of attending school/academically. It's my suicidal 15yo who is taking up a lot of time and energy atm. And my own mental health is in the toilet.

Aside from my eldest (19m) who couldn't handle a levels or get a job, my ASD kids are all in mainstream school. Their needs/behaviour out of school are...demanding. My DD (15) is struggling to attend school and requires a lot of support right now. I wouldn't call any of them disabled though. So I think I should be working.

But your DD needs support. The DWP sadly don't care about children or their needs though.

Next question is could they, or at least one of them?

High functioning is fantastic but it you're run ragged because they've got care needs due to being neuro-diverse then DLA (or PIP post 16) might be a thing?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

I mentioned the issues with all of my kids today and my work coach did take account of it and reduced the hours. I was pretty surprised! I just feel constantly guilty that I don't earn enough for them.

@Bromptotoo My work coach said the same. But I have all the ASD paperwork for my DD and everything else on my plate. I have thought about it for her twin brother (15) but he has started a new school which seems to be helping him. I don't know what to do for my 19yo.

I had my migration letter back in august and have to do it by 27th October.
I currently get my tax credits weekly which I know isn't an option on UC.
I am a childminder and parents pay me between 20th of month and 7th of following month.
If I apply today (11th) when will my accounting period be?
Don't want to risk extra payments from families one month if they pay early/late to affect my amount of UC I get.
Thank you for any advice

I applied yesterday it was straightforward. Can anyone tell me what happens next? Will I need to submit my payslip every month? It never changes ? I'm confused.

@MansfieldLark you may be asked to attend the Job Centre or to upload documents if they need additional verification of identity, rent (if you pay it) or assets. You'll also need to agree a Claimant Commitment but if you're earning enough for your circumstances that might not amount to much more than 'keep in touch'.

If you're employed and paid through PAYE then UC normally pick up your earnings automatically. Information the employer provides to HMRC when running payroll is shared with UC. Occasionally there are problems, for example with dates or deductions such as pension so you need to get in the habit of checking your UC statement but for most people in ordinary work etc it's pretty straightforward. However keep your eye on your Journal and watch for texts from UC just in case they need some information from you...

I pay a very small sum into a private pension (but not through my salary). How can I let them know, is anyone able to advise? Thanks.

My son is on mid rate dla so I don't think I have to work a minimum amount? I take home approx 1100 for 20 hrs p/w

2anddone my understanding is your accounting period starts the day you apply, so I would go a bit nearer to the 20th like 17th? that way parents paying you late will be less likely a problem?

@MansfieldLark Mid rate DLA(C) is a qualifying benefit for him to be treated as severely disabled. Provided you're caring for him 35hrs a week then there's no requirement to seek/take work. Did you complete the Carer task from the to do stuff when you claimed?

Can anyone advise what will happen in my situation once I am migrated?

I pay AVCs through payroll to a private pension to top up as I'm only part time. Will these be disregarded? I take home around £1k after pensions and tax etc and have 1 child and have a disability.

Also, do you know if the mortgage loan (around £200 will be included if I apply for it) will be included in any transitional protection calculation or will be added on top? Eg. If my TP is say £500 and will I get this plus the £200 mortgage loan or £500 including the mortgage loan).

Hope that makes sense.

Thank you @starpatch.
I have read I will need to take evidence that I am gainfully self employed.
Does anyone have any suggestions of what I could take please?

How many months statements did they ask for?

3 months.

Although at the appointment she didn't actually look at them, just counted the number I had and ticked it all off - somewhat farcical.
I am way over the £16k so the actual balances are somewhat of a moot point (and won't be entitled after the 12m transitional protection runs out - but wouldn't be entitled to TCs after ds2 finishes eduction next summer anyway).

Can anyone help please?

Trying to understand my migration from CTC to UC and the requirements for work.

I have two DC age 9 and 12 and i home educate them due to the education system failing them. One worse than the other. One of the children receives DLA middle rate and my husband who is also disabled and receives DLA higher rate for mobility is my child’s carer (so receives CA for the child).

Am trying to understand the requirements for seeking work or working under UC in our circumstances.

We have low income made up of 2 x DLA, CA, CTC and Child Benefit.

Does anyone yet know if one or both of us will have to seek work (we have both worked plenty in the past and plan to do so again in the future but right now our children need us so much). TIA

If your husband meets the conditions for Carers Allowance as is then, in UC, he will not be required to seek work.

Your situation might be more complicated as being a home educator is not, of itself a reason for work search etc requirements to be switched off.

Are you in OK health and what health conditions does your husband have?

@Bromptotoo
thank you for taking the time to reply.

Could I please message you privately re our health?

@benefitstaxcredithelp feel free to PM me if it helps.

Probably obvious but he reason I asked the question is because disability/ill-health is, via a Work Capability Assessment, another way of getting work search etc switched off or eased.

@Bromptotoo
Ok I see thank you.
I think my main concern is that they’ll force me to work when I do most of the homeschooling as my DH is disabled. He helps with some things and helps care for our disabled child but I do the bulk of the homeschool stuff…. Time will tell i suppose.