Universal Credit meeting and annoyed

[Flyingwithoutwingsxxxxx]

I've been to my first universal credit meeting today in over 10 years. I recently made the decision to change careers. I left my previous job in November, signed up to an agency to teach around my access to healthcare course and to lower the cost of my childcare. The agency has been slow and so I've applied for another part time job around my studies.

I received almost a full payment from UC this month, as I obviously didn't work over Christmas and the agency hasn't been as busy. I am trying to rectify this by securing work 3 days a week, around a full time course and a 7y/o daughter. I also had to prove that I wasn't getting financial support toward this course, of which I am not. At the meeting today, I was told my studies don't count and that I still need to look for 35 hours of employment. I stated this isn't possible, as the access course is full time study. This was disregarded.

Whilst at the appointment, I was listening to another staff member talking to a single dad and the attitude was completely different. The advisor was telling him how to claim back money as expenses, telling him about reclaiming fuel costs, that if he gets a winter coat to put that through as expenses and so on. He was having so much financial support and guidance, along with understanding for being a single parent. I was sat there thinking what a difference in attitude there was, in comparison to me being a single mum. It's hard regardless of being a single mum or dad, shouldn't we all be treated with the same respect? I came out feeling really belittled and undermined. I've never relied on UC and have paid my taxes consistently for 18 years. I'm trying to better my circumstances now to avoid having to rely on support later in life. This didn't seem to be a relevant reason for not working full time today however.

@user1468867181 the first time I had ever encountered the job centre was a completely different experience. I met a lovely lady, her name was Sally and she was so helpful and really listened. I was having a really hard time in my life back then, and she really helped to get me something that was suitable. I have never forgotten her. There is good and bad in all professions unfortunately. Thank you for your comment.

Hi OP just jumping in to say that I was in a similar position to you a few years ago only my course was classed as part time, even though with placement days and other bits added in it was nearly full time. I also worked 3 days a week. How this was treated really did depend on who it was that I spoke to though most were incredibly helpful I did have a few telling me I needed to work more hours though which didn’t make sense as there are only 7 dats in a week! I wonder if their system automatically classes a part time course as being one day a week or something.

Anyway I had to have a weekly phone call throughout.

Well with that attitude I should think about whether health care is the right choice for you as a lot of patience is required, you cannot take your stress out on patients when they don't agree with you!

This is advice from a mother of three who did an access to health course in her 40s, funded by myself after saving for 5 years i might add, followed by 20 years in healthcare. Yes, I'm afraid I like others do object to my taxes from my paltry NHS wages funding your decision to retrain.

I’m a secondary school English teacher; I can’t help myself! 🤣

@Skibbidirizzohio It's actually based on the money you earn, so why they insist on working more hours doesn't make sense, unless you're working for less than minimum wage. The amount needs to be over £900 and some odds. Due to the agency losing a couple of schools because of budgets, this month I earned less than that. First time in a long time for me.
I do understand your point, there isn't enough hours in the week to improve your financial circumstances by retraining, and working full time at the same time. In the long run, it is better for people to retrain and then earn more money. This means less people claiming and having to rely on the government for support.
I think in my limited experience, it seems to be hit and miss of who you're seen by. Some seem lovely and others just seem rude and difficult. I hope you're happy in your new area and it has been a positive change for you.

@Mossstitch I think you need to read my entire thread, as you are mistaken. May I applaud you for being such a trailblazing powerhouse.

His claim still wasn’t anything to do with yours. 🤷‍♀️

@SargeMarge I don't think I'm brave enough just yet. It is something to consider though, thank you.

You must have a degree already so why do you need to do the access course? No science GCSE? I think that's all you need for healthcare?

In any case, the access course is ridiculously easy and won't take you anywhere near 35 hours per week. You'll have plenty of time to work as well.

Thank you for this 🥰

@KitsyWitsy I did my degree many years ago. There's also specific area requirements in the health degree I am working towards that I currently don't have. Yes plenty of time for work. I am completing 2 days a week for the course, as well as currently two evenings of my time to complete the homework.

OP look at UC light touch.

@AdaDex Will do, thank you.

I imagine the single dad was possibly self employed and the work coach was advising him how to claim expenses?

@Penelope23145 and I have no issue with that. It was the genuine want to help and things the staff member was saying to him about being a single dad being hard, especially having girls.

I think it completely depends on who you get to see, I went 3 times within 4 weeks and saw 3 different people. First was extremely understanding about my situation (son being on partial 2 hours/day timetable) put an easement on my case whilst waiting for dla decision. The second scalded me for doing no work search despite having no commitments to look told me it’s no excuse to not find a job and I needed to look and log my work search otherwise I would be sanctioned. The third apologised profusely because I shouldn’t have had to go back in, or do any work search whilst waiting for a decision on dla. This is nothing to do with gender, or him being a single dad.

I know someone ( male) that made a first claim in their life.
He told them he wants to train at something, he was able to show what it was and they agrred to it.

However he had do research into what he may be entitled to when looking for work / training.
And really had to be firm in getting it.
Whilst training he got small amount of £ from company and top up from UC.
Once he passed he started work on PAYE but now has gone S/E with same company. Defiantly have to be firm and have things in email etc.

@BootsandCatss As in any profession/workplace, there is good and bad. I'm sorry you've had such a mixed experience. The topic they were discussing is what brought to my belief to be honest. However, he was much more compassionate than the person who dealt with me.

My circumstances have changed dramatically in my home life, through reasons of which I couldn't control and were not deserved. There were bits of what this man was saying that I really resonated with. I'm glad he was having a more supportive time of it however.

How old is your daughter?

I hope it isnt Nursing you are going into because if you can't hack teaching then believe me this is not the career for you.

Yeah it sucks that UC don't take into account hours of study. A friend of mine is a full time university student and receives a bursary. However, she has had to apply for UC to meet her living costs. But unfortunately UC have applied deductions to her overall entitlement due to not working a certain amount each week - I can't remember what that amount was, either 17 hours or 35.

You can claim UC as a full-time student whilst responsible for a child. In most cases as a full-time student your claim would just be closed but not if you have children on the claim. You would not be expected to have work commitments for the duration of the course.

For a part-time course you would be expected to fit your work requirements around the course. Jobcentre staff are unfortunately not the most knowlegeable about benefit rules, and neither are people on here.

I just want to say I've had some really supportive messages here today, thank you so much for those.

I hope if anyone comes across this thread, a mum or a dad looking to retrain and do something that will benefit their lives further, that they don't listen to the naysayers and go for it. We live life only once. We spend a massive chunk of it in employment and raising children. Neither of those things should define us, despite how much they contribute to our being.

I have spent years in a career I once loved but went into because it was of service to my husband and eldest child. It was easy for me to cover holidays and childcare. That was until teaching changed over the years, then the hours of planning became increasingly demanding. The budget cuts crippling the community of each school.

I understand everyone's circumstances are different however, please don't spend your years holding yourself back, only to be worse off in the long run, due to a man made, hostile government scheme that only works to serve them. There is no real support in a system that only wants you to earn money to pay them back in taxes they will squander and spend poorly. Where possible, invest your time in yourself and make a life sustainable to you, serving you as well as your family.

As a tax payer, as someone whose family have owned and still own very successful companies, I will never condemn any parent for wanting to better their lives. You are never too old to go back and do something for yourself. Once your children are grown and gone, make sure you are left with a life that sustains and serves you. Don't let fear or circumstance hold you back where possible. There is no shame in taking out what you have put in, because god knows we pay enough taxes in this country. I'm very privileged to soon have a lot of financial freedom however, those circumstances shouldn't place limits on a happy and fulfilling future for any of us. Do what you can with what you have and make it work to your advantage. Don't be trapped by current life and don't be afraid to look forwards.

I think some of the comments on here have been unnecessarily unpleasant- rules for UC notwithstanding, I've found many posters take an approach that is totally uncalled for.