Uc not going back to work

[ash646668]

I was lead to believe in my first meeting for universal credit that I wouldn't be expected to get a job untill my baby went to school at 4. I've now found out they expect you to go back to work at 3. My baby is only 6 months at the moment but I'm thinking ahead. I don't have any family who can look after her and my partner works full time. I am really against her going to nursery and even if I did send her I can't imagine I could get a job with limited availability as a carer. They are typically 12 hour shifts including weekend. Has anyone else experienced not working after baby turns 3 and waiting until they are ready for school. And what happened with universal credit.

I didn’t work until both my kids had started school. Didn’t try to claim any benefits though - it was our choice to be a bit skint for a few years.

Out of interest, what is the minimum family income before benefits like UC kick in?

I understand you've worked hard your whole life

As you say you've paid taxes all your life

Ok let's not over-egg the pudding. If OP is of childbearing age and started working at 16, it's hardly her whole life. Probably not more than about 25 years at most.

Ffs there are so many people who are anti anyone having children these days. She's asking if she's entitled to something, if someone is entitled then that's the law. (Thankfully) It's not up to you to police whether people should get it or not. Go back into your own little bubble.

Hang on, wtaf? So if you're on UC you basically get 3 or 4 years of paid maternity leave??
My DC was also very much wanted and took me 10 years to conceive. I'd have given my right arm to be able to stay at home with him until he started school. But I couldn't afford it because I have a job, and had to return after a year. Oh - and I've also been paying taxes for the last 20-odd years. I still only got 1 year at home with him.
There's no fucking point working in this country.

I wouldn't be jealous. UC isn't generous and in fact is better if you work.

My wages aren't generous either. Even if UC is slightly less than what I earn, I would have taken that cut if it meant I could have had more time with him. Presumably you're not allowed to just hand in your notice when your kid turns 1 and sign up for UC instead, otherwise I'll do that!

Yes and when my child goes to school I will continue to pay taxes for the rest.

Ffs I didn't express an opinion as to whether she should get UC or not. I just commented about people saying she's worked hard her whole life when she's still relatively young.

So maybe get back in your own bubble and stop jumping to incorrect conclusions.

Yeah you can do as you have no work commitments until the child is three. However I wouldn't trust they aren't going to change it.

But that's also the case for those of us who don't get paid to be home with our kids for 4 years. It's not like you've earned that right by paying taxes all your life - we've all been paying taxes all our lives!

This.

I genuinely had no idea this was the case. So every parent can essentially have (relatively poorly) paid parental leave until their youngest child is 3? Why is that not common knowledge? It should be publicised ad an option in the way that child benefit is publicised.

As far as I am aware yes you can, It is household income dependent how much you get.

Depends on your income. If you have a mortgage with a couple of kids you need to be quite poorly paid to qualify.

Noone has the right for anything. I'm asking what my options are for that year. Not presuming i have a right for anything.

Taxes came into it as people were getting upset that they pay taxes for me to be on universal credit

It is a parental leave where you struggle to pay your bills though. Maybe have another child Vespa and see what you think. You can't really blame the OP especially with no family around and extortionate nursery fees.

UC pays up to 80% of childcare fees.

Because it just potentiates the gender pay gap if women interrupt their careers for 3 years with every child.

You have completely contradicted yourself in the first two sentences. Why does it matter that you have a child after being told you wouldn’t have due to infertility? What difference does that make to the situation.
I cannot understand why you think you should be paid to be a SAHM until she goes to school. I’m sure majority of mums in the UK would also like to stay at home until then but atlas we have to go to work. Why are different?

So every parent can essentially have (relatively poorly) paid parental leave until their youngest child is 3? Why is that not common knowledge? It should be publicised ad an option in the way that child benefit is publicised.

Wow, I had no idea either

As the first comment suggested I should have saved up before having a baby. Had to save for something you didn't know was possibly. Many people including myself do get paid for raising their children until they are 3. So I don't think I'm any different to all them people, I was asking THEM what they between year 3 and 4. But dont worry the question has already been answered.

Many people including myself do get paid for raising their children until they are 3.

Paid for by the rest of us who have to work and pay taxes while raising our children?!

I know but you need the money upfront (unless a new job or increasing your hours). Just started paying for two mornings a week. It is a struggle! Currently hoping they haven't messed up the childcare element for me this month. 😬

Because it just potentiates the gender pay gap if women interrupt their careers for 3 years with every child.

But then why are these women paid to stay off work for 3 years?