UC is driving me crazy! Help please

[thepurgebegins]

I am very new to all this UC stuff and don't have a clue. I'm on maternity still and going back in December to work. My annual salary is roughly between 25,500 and 25,900 which is working 2 day shifts 2 night shifts (4 on 4 off). Not sure of my hourly wage
I am looking to go back part time 2 days a week midweek doing morning shift.. A lot of people have said go back part time do the 16 hours or possibly 12 and then claim UC so you can spend time at home with baby. Child care is an issue being one of the reasons plus would love to be with my baby as much as I can. I don't think I would actually get much UC with the wage I would be earning doing 16 hours a week Or am I wrong? There's a strong chance I'm getting a 7% pay in September coming which would take me over 27,000 so even doing the bare minimum hours I feel like I would not be able to claim UC. I'm not saying I want alot of UC even getting a few pennies will still allow me to get benefits such as free nursery time etc. Im not trying to suck money out of the government i just want to work less and still get money im entitled to as I have a house to run. Somebody help please it's driving me crazy or correct me! Thank you so much

You can check your entitlement and how much you will get on entitled to or turn2us. I used these to check how much we would get with me working different hours to find the best balance for our family.

It all really depends on your individual circumstances. Are you living with a partner? Do you rent or own? What are your childcare expenses?

I’d go on to entitledto and have a play around with the numbers and see where you are best off.

Are you a single parent, OP?

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=4ad6e05b-5285-4380-9352-d098b1298956

Put your details into here (adjust for your desired working hours, salary etc.)

Universal Credit is designed to fit with and encourage work. Unlike in Tax Credits there are no cliff edges or sweet spots related to hours worked.

As your baby gets older then the UC regime expects you to move towards preparing for and then taking work but, at least for now, that's not onerous. It's only after the youngest is three that a work obligation kicks in.

UC is tapered off by 55p for every £1 of earnings but, as a parent you'll get a work allowance of £379 if you claim housing costs or £631 if you do not. A quick calculation based on not paying rent, 1 child and earnings of £26k gives monthly UC of around £90.

As others say your best bet is to try entitled to or turn2us and play around with some figures.

Is your salary 25-26k for the hours worked now, so you would earn much less if you reduced it down?

Run it all through a calculator on Turn2Us, that's the only way you will get a proper answer.

On your other thread on the same topic you mention your self employed partner but haven't mentioned them on this one ? It will need to be a joint claim if you live together.

She has a partner on other posts.