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.

We both used passport and driving license as ID and don't pay rent. I think I just expected dh to have an appointment regarding his self employment. He's not PAYE but he has had his joinery business for about 16 years. I suppose we only applied yesterday so there's time yet.

When it comes to privately rented properties, do you need just the contract as proof?
Also, if I need extra time/extension for applying, when is the latest I can ask for that (on a migration notice and date is 24th Jan)?

My guess would be that you'll get a contact from JC+ after the weekend. Just make sure you log in and check your journal frequently.

@Gaffygoose they usually want to see the letting agreement. They won't contact the landlord, they just need to be convinced you occupy the place and are liable for and paying the rent. Can get complicated with informal tenancies but it should never be insoluble.

If you've got until 24 Jan - three and a half weeks off yet - why do you need an extension? I'm not being 'funny' with you but that's the first question you'll be asked.

Thanks for that @Bromptotoo
Can't find my contract and landlords away until 1st week of Feb.
Would have to wait to get a copy.
I'm thinking I'd need to upload copies etc.

DH has started filling in the online application. We can’t see anywhere to record that I am currently receiving ESA (LCWRA). It just asks me if I have a fit note (I don’t) and what my disability is and when I stopped working.

How do I add this in as I believe there’s an additional element for this?

They will know automatically ( it will automatically come off your payment) but you can also leave a journal message once your claim is set up to let them know that you receive ESA and asking them to make sure the LCWRA element is added.

Just received an appointment for myself to attend the job center for first claimant commitment agreement. Just wondering what will be expected of me? DH earnings obviously differ month to month but net profit averages at around £1200/1300 monthly. Just wondering if allowances will be made for grandchildren care?

I very much doubt they will consider childcare of grandparents. Do you work at all currently ?

No, I don't work at all. I left to have my two younger children...16 years ago! When my youngest was a toddler, someone suggested applying for tax credits and it's been a massive help. When my youngest started secondary school I planned on doing a couple of days work... until I acquired 3 grandchildren in the space of 3 years! To be honest, before the migration letter came, I have been putting the feelers out to do a few days to fit around childcare of grandchildren.

How long does the claim take to do? I've had the same job and address for years, single, 2 teens so no childcare. Probably just under 4k savings. Get DLA for one teen which I assume will complicate things.

I have until Jan 12th and was going to start it next week on the 4th and hopefully be submitting by the 8th so it never clashes with a payday.

Ok well Uc is quite different to tax credits and you would likely be expected to look for work although does depend currently on what your partner earns but they are getting much stricter in the future so that both of a couple need to work.

It takes maybe 15/ 20 mins to do the claim online. then you may need to go for an ID appointment at the job centre, not everyone has to. they don't ask for details of your job. If you have rent to pay you need landlords details etc. i did a claim for a single person with rent the other day and it took maybe 15 mins so maybe a bit longer if children to add. it will give you the option to add if your child is disabled and will ask what disability benefit they get, fairly straightforward.

Thanks babyroobs. That doesn't sound too faffy.

Yes, babyroobs, I have gathered that uc is different and what will be will be. When I go for my interview, I am going to be honest and say I am unable to work full time as I have commitments with my own children and grandchildren. If I'm not entitled to anything, then so be it. It is what it is.

I believe they would apply a sanction in relation to not fulfilling your work commitments. What I've also understood is that you would still receive other elements of UC that you're entitled to.
Hopefully, someone can elaborate or even correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes would be expected to look for work and sanctions applied to the claim if doesn't meet those work search requirements. Looking after grandkids won't wash I'm afraid and if kids are not disabled in receipt of a disability benefit then both parents are expected to work. Even lone parents of kids over 1 have some commitments to look for work now. There is considerable help available on Uc with childcare costs if needed.

Sorry I've just been corrected on another thread about work commitments where the other of a couple works, so seems you may be ok currently if your dh earns over the threshold. I think it is set to change though in the future.

@Babyroobs so, if a person didn't meet the requirements after being sanctioned 1st time, would the same sanction continue or, would it expand to other elements of the claim?
How long would they possibly let an individual 'not abide' by their requirements on the work front for example?
And, just wanna say a big THANK YOU to @Babyroobs for all the info passed on throughout all of this forum to help us understand our claims/potential claims.
Thanks again

Yes, thanks for your helpful info babyroobs. I'll see what happens at my interview. I would never be sanctioned because if I didn't want to agree to commitments I couldn't carry out, then I wouldn't continue with my application for UC.

I was just wondering if anyone can help with me with a query on savings vs debt?

So we did the help to save over 4 years and at the end we had £7200. So I have to declare that I understand. However, we also have debt. We have a credit card that's now £800 and a loan that's now £6000.

Now, they both don't accrue interest, they are old debts, and we pay off £100 per month. The savings however are generating a bit of interest, and you never know when you might need savings for MOT etc other things to do with house etc. So we don't want to use it to clear the debt. It would't be wise.

So my question is, do we have savings of £7200 - or do we have savings of £400 if you remove the debt?

Any business asset equation is always cash - liabilities isn't it?

I have searched and searched everywhere and can't find anywhere that says about what to do when you have debt and savings.

Thank you to anyone who can help and advise...

@gluteustothemaximus they ignore the debt and calculate entitlement based on savings over £6K. They assume an income of £4.35 per month for each £250 (or part thereof) over £6K, whether or not you actually accrue interest at that level. So you'd have a deduction of £13.05 from your entitlement.

I have a deduction for capital and I think it's worth it for the security of having some savings for emergencies/ unforeseen expenses.

Could you pay off the £800 debt and a £1000 off the loan? The. You’d still have a decent amount of savings and no debt and a reduced loan.

I was thinking about doing that, it's a good idea. Also, thank you for replies, I figured that's what it would be but just couldn't find anything out.

You could also pay a few hundred to your gas/elec account @gluteustothemaximus and reduce the monthly payments a little?