Universal credit and going part time

[shineonyoucrazydiamondd]

Me and DH claim UC, we randomly applied after getting some advice ans our increasing bills and not great salaries we were struggling and found out we are entitled to it. Not a huge amount mind, a couple of hundred, but it’s alleviated some of the pressure with some of our bills and childcare.
We both work full time, I’ve been suffering with continued health problems which has affected my work, and considering going part time ideally for a year or two while my health gets better. We can’t afford me going part time really but I’m wondering would our UC go up if I did? Or would it stay the same based on our rent? Thanks.

Your UC would go up. You would have to get fit notes from your doctor to justify why you'd gone part time. How part time are you thinking about as you would not be put forward for medical assessment unless you were earning less than 16 hours of NMW?

It’d go up. If you look at your statement there will be an earnings section. Says something like your employer has reported your earnings as x. Your entitlement is reduced by 55% of x.

Essentially for every £1 less you take home you will get 55p more in UC. I think in September they are introducing rules that mean both parents have to work / look for work for 30 hours if they have primary school children.

They may put you in a limited capability for work category due to your medical issues though.

my daughter is 1, and would like to reduce to 25.5 hours. Is the September rule for 30 hours for children in school or under 5s also?

If your daughter is only one then you don't need a fit note. There's no requirement to work until she is 3 anyway, just take part in work related activities and attend appointments.

Sorry if you are still going to be doing 25 hrs you won't get appointments. Not at present anyway, it may be changing.

Its not going up to 30 hours until September 2025, so you can work part time for now.

I'd let them know via your UC account that you're reducing hours but given that fact your DH is working and the age of your child I don't think you'll face any pushback.

Rules are due to change but if, as above that's slated for 2025, it won't affect you for a while and may not happen at all.