UC when a child turns 4

[midnightblue12]

So I seem to have fallen down a bit of a rabbit hole looking for information, and I've got myself a bit stressed out.
Can anybody tell me what happens with universal credit when your child turns four ?
I currently work 18 hours a week in a stable job for a company that I've worked for over 10 years.
I cannot simply increase my hours, I can only increase my hours when they become available which isn't very often. And when additional hours do become available, it's normally full-time hours for a new member of staff if that makes sense .
I seem to remember reading that when your child turns four, you were expected to work, at least 24 hours a week.
My child isn't four yet, but he will be next year and I'm really worrying about this.I don't work 24 hours, and to meet those I was I'll probably need to completely change my job.
Can anybody tell me what happens when your child turns 4? Do they contact you and ask you how many hours you work and ask you to look for new jobs? Or are they prompted depending on how much you earn? So for example, is there a threshold of payment that you need to be receiving from you employer, as opposed to the hours that you work?
Hope that makes sense.

Do you live with a husband/partner?

Sorry, above question jumps the gun and while relevant doesn't have a binary effect.

UC's work expectations are usually around multiples of the national living wage rather than the Child Tax Credit model of hours worked. They're not requirements and if, for whatever reason, you cannot achieve them then there's discretion/easements for circumstances.

Right now, although there is a possibility of penalties for not doing stuff, the DWP's focus is on people with nil or nugatory earnings. Folks doing what you are are usually on a 'light touch' regime where although ideally they'd like you to do more, you'll not be leaned on.

Whatever happens the Child Responsibility Element won't just stop.

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it!
I am a lone parent, living with just my children so I get the childcare allowance.

I think I understand what you're saying. I earn approx £11500 a year if that makes any difference 😐

Its 3 now so if you haven't been contacted you're probably fine.
I got called in discussed my circumstances made a to do list which I had to do but when I went back they said well looks like your husband is doing enough hours so dont worry about it! My youngest was 3 in june and I've heard nothing else.
If you get called in just say if hours became available then you'd take them but I dont think they'll be bothered. It will just continue as normal being based on what you earn.

It’s generally the equivalent of 25 hours at minimum wage so approx £249 per week before tax and ni.
I’d wait for them to contact you if they haven’t so far because it’s usually from when your child is 3(when funder nursery hours kicks in)

Ahhh thanks all!
He was 3 in may so I hoping what I earn is sufficient.
I get £960 a month before any deductions so perhaps I just and so go over the threshold.
I was just really worrying about having to leave a job which suits my life!

I always thought it was 30 hours once they turn 1?
Personally I wouldn't say anything and wait till they come to you.

You have to search for work for 16 hours a week or if in employment work 16 hours a week when they turn 3.

What was the to do list like if you don't mind me asking?

Explanation of the earnings thresholds here:

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/Claimant-Commitment-Conditionality

Thank you so it says on there from school age -12 expected to work 25 hours.
3-school age is 16 hours.
Oh god, this is stressing me out :(

In practice those are maximums you might be expected to do in terms of hours. If you're on more than the national living wage then the test is met if you earn 25*the hourly NLW.

Although you're a little bit short of that based on current hours I honestly don't think you've much to worry about.

Your earnings are enough for you to be in what's called the 'light touch group'. I'd not be surprised if you were asked a few questions about your work and what you might do to get more hours/money and perhaps have something in your Claimant Commitment about moves in that direction.

Work coaches time is focussed on those needing most help to get back into work or to earn more than 'pin money'.

I don't think you should let this keep you awake. It's almost certain that you won't be pushed hard still less that you'll lose money for your child.

If you are leaned on/threatened then get advice from a professional outfit like CAB or your local equivalent.

Thank you all. I really appreciate the insight and reassurance ☺️

On those earnings, you are earning enough to be left alone, although they are constantly changing things of course.