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 think the general advice is just to try to keep the date you apply a week or so away from your pay day if you work ( assuming paid monthly ).

Ahh damn it! I was going to apply on 31st September. But that’s a couple days after my pay day.

Thanks babyroobs.

Those who have been moved onto Universal credit from legacy benefits

Did you have to provide BANK STATEMENTS in your swap?

I am self employed so my income/outgoings changes monthly!
How does this work for UC?
Also I currently receive a large amount of WTC and CTC due to not earning much after all expenses deducted.
Will I have to wait 5 weeks with no money (I rely on my payments for food shopping etc)
Currently I receive payments weekly is this still an option?
Sorry for all the questions I suffer from anxiety and receiving the migration letter yesterday has sent my anxiety into overdrive!

Self employment is a bit more complex on UC - you will need to report earnings monthly and may need an interview to see if you are considered to be gainfully self employed.
It is toughly five weeks to first payment but you can take an advance on the first months payments to tide you over if you wish. The repayments for this advance are then deducted from your monthly amount usually for the next 12 months.
Weekly payments on UC is certainly not the norm, they ,may authorize it in some circumstances if you really can't budget. Fortnightly are more common but most people just receive a monthly payment.

@Babyroobs thank you that's very helpful

I got my migration letter this week. Was hoping I might escape as only 2/3 years before TC would have naturally stopped due to my children's ages.

What happens regarding the work coach part? I get that you have to go and prove all your details with someone but do you have to go for meetings each week/month in the way someone claiming but unemployed does?

If you're asked to provide evidence of capital over £16k then yes.

And if you're self-employed they'll want to see them.

If neither of these apply then I doubt you'll need to.

I work part time - single parent. Will I be encouraged to work more? I have a permanent contract for set weekly hours. I struggle with school pick ups as it is.

It will depend how much you currently earn and the age of your youngest child.

I am a childminder will they talk me through my allowable expenses for Universal Credit as I have read that these may differ from the expenses I am allowed to put on my tax return?

Do you have to have an interview at a job centre even if you're already in full time employment? Will I still have a "to do" list on a journal?

Got my letter. Have to apply for UC by oct. Moving from TC. Only got two more yrs of claiming was hoping to get away with it.
I get paid salary on 28th of month so when is it best to start the claim ?
Thank you x

Got my letter too, gutted! I won't qualify for UC after the transitional period, and it sounds like I won't get much because of savings anyway. I had thought during the transitional period I would get the equivalent of TC so I'm feeling scuppered. I can see the point of view of why can't I just use up my savings, but I'm a homeowner so really need the savings as my income is too low to allow any unexpected expenses - mortgage is currently 85% of my salary so I'm spending more than I have coming in, even with TC. Hopefully XH will start paying child maintenance but I'm not optimistic as it's been 4 years of nothing

@Rummikub 30th you mean 🙂 best off doing it a week or 2 before your pay day. 🙂

@Crumbcatcher can you put some savings into your mortgage?

@Danikm151 thank you I’ll make sure I tine it so.

@Rummikub thanks, I could but I want to keep a cushion in case of any repairs. I'm already using savings for daily expenses, even though I'm really frugal.

I wasn't going to bother applying, but having gone through half the process now i'd say go for it. Yes it'll only be for a year (i'm in a similar situation) but it all helps (free school meals, cost of living payments etc) especially at the moment.

Sorry @marmitegirl01 that reply was meant for @Crumbcatcher

@whonickedmyusername thanks, good point about the cost of living payments. I don't qualify for school meals though. It's bad timing as my youngest is going up to KS2 so I'm really going to feel the pinch! Worse things happen at sea but finances are really tricky at the moment!

Asking for a family member, who hasn't had a letter yet. What are the rules around both parents seeking work? One works, the other doesn't but is planning to home educate. I assume she will still be required to be looking for work?

Yes, the work requirements apply to both parents. Hours per week vary depending on the age of the children.

I was wondering this too! Surely we can’t be expected to regularly take home off from work to go to an appointment at the job centre if we already work full time? Anybody who works full time and on UC know?