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Original poster

Universal Credit

26 replies

HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 19:13

Hello,

I'm new to the forum but struggling to find a concrete answer to my question, Bear with me it's a bit long.

When we started claiming UC, I was placed in the light touch group as my partner earned enough money. I then took on a job of 6.5 hours a week at the local school, I took a second job in April, however, my health has started to slide, I have been diagnosed with some lifelong problems and have recently had to be put back on medication. I also have a 7-year-old daughter who, although not yet diagnosed, does require more help than other children her age. At the moment my second job leaves me unable to pick her up from school and she's found this extremely difficult to adjust to, she is unable to regulate as well with her carer as she does with me.

My question is am I likely to get sanctioned if I had in my notice at my second job to be able to pick my daughter up again from school to support her well-being? Also even though I am working am I still in the light touch group?

Thank you for reading

OP posts:
Tambatamba · 05/09/2023 19:34

You need to apply for DLA for your daughter. If she doesn't have a dx yet that doesn't matter. It's needs of the child compared to an average child her age which are taken into consideration. And if they turn it down, appeal.

When you get awarded DLA, you will be able to get carer's allowance. You will then not be expected to work.

Original poster
HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 19:40

So If I were to hand my notice in tomorrow how likely is it that I'll be sanctioned? My daughter doesn't settle and regulate well with anyone else and it causes problems regarding childcare, I would still be working 6.5 hours a week while she's at school, I just want to be able to free myself up for pick-up time without landing my family in a sanction.

I've looked at DLA but my understanding was that it was for children with very complex needs. My daughter's school suggest that my daughter displays mild autistic traits.

OP posts:
Original poster
HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 19:43

Also, I thought I thought carers' allowance for a child on DLA was only for the middle or highest rate component.

OP posts:
Tambatamba · 05/09/2023 19:44

Nope, don't listen to that. I don't like labels for autism but I have one very complex child and one 'high functioning' and they both get DLA / PIP.

Tambatamba · 05/09/2023 19:44

HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 19:43

Also, I thought I thought carers' allowance for a child on DLA was only for the middle or highest rate component.

My HF dd gets middle rate care and lower rate mobility.

Original poster
HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 19:50

Oh, it's all so confusing, Sorry to be a pain, I'm trying to wrap my head around it all and looking for the best course of action to be able to better support her. For the most part, she can be like every other child, but she does have what I call quirks and one of those seems to be the need for constant stability even if the slightest thing changes it can cause major upset. She's in a constant state of fear and anxiety from one day to the next especially when things change from normal. My taking this second job may have helped us financially by pennies, but its had a detrimental effect on her.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 05/09/2023 20:39

The earnings thresholds are increasing for couples this month I think, sorry not sure what to. Maybe leave a note on your journal and ask.

Original poster
HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 20:46

I had heard they were meant to be changing but I don't think it's been confirmed yet has it ?

OP posts:
Goonergirl14 · 05/09/2023 20:55

I doubt very much you would be sanctioned as you are doing giving up a job to support your daughter..don't want to say too much what my job is but suffice to say that 99% of sanctions I come across are for fta's. As others have said apply for DLA for your daughter, as long as she is awarded at least middle rate DLA you can claim as a carer for her.

Original poster
HollyS84 · 05/09/2023 20:57

Thank you @Goonergirl14 I will certainly look into DLA this week I was just put off applying probably because of misunderstanding it and being told wrong information from another place, that I wouldn't be entitled to it for her.

OP posts:
NeverGuessWho · 05/09/2023 21:02

Have you enquired online with your work coach, OP?
You can leave them a message online.
I had to reduce my hours due to my DC having an illness, and I wasn't penalised.

Fionabou12 · 09/01/2024 17:10

Hi need some advice
On September the 9th 2020 I let universal credit know I had recieved my first payment of carers allowence for my daughter.
Later that day I recieved a not from uc saying they had accepted my carers and that from my next payment I would recieve £162.40 a month carers element.
I had no idea what this was
Today 40 weeks after this I recieved a journal asking me to apply for carers element only option I had to do this was call them.
Spoke to a lovely lady who said ahhh yes ill get case manager to sort this he will call by 6 tomorrow.
Only after this call did I then look into my statements and journal did I see that even though I was told it would be actioned in Sept 2020 it never was.
I'm now concerned as this means I've missed out on £6k off payments (it's actually a lot more because in increases in carers allowence.
Has this happened to anyone else .
Is there anything I can do ?
Thanks guys xx

Fionabou12 · 09/01/2024 17:16

Yes for sure I can see the advisor has sent a note to coach but then left my own message just letting them know the dates where they had clearly said the extra element would be on my payment and to see that from October 2020 payment never happened . Just wondered had this happened to anyone else xx

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 20:54

Hi, bit of advice needed please. I have 2 children already one of which is at primary school and one who is turning 3 in March, If I am currently in the light touch work group and receiving universal credits, what would happen if I was to fall pregnant? Would they put pressure on to be back at work?

Babyroobs · 06/02/2024 21:20

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 20:54

Hi, bit of advice needed please. I have 2 children already one of which is at primary school and one who is turning 3 in March, If I am currently in the light touch work group and receiving universal credits, what would happen if I was to fall pregnant? Would they put pressure on to be back at work?

Are you a lone parent? I guess if you have a number 3 then you'll get another 3 years off from needing to look for work. However you won't get any UC child element for a third child.

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 21:44

No I’m not a lone parent and it’s a joint claim. I just wondered if it would affect my money? They’ve told me I need to be looking for work when my son turns 3 which is in March. Just wanted to know what they would say to me if I was to fall pregnant?

thanks for the reply

Nonametonight · 06/02/2024 21:48

Being pregnant doesn't exempt you from looking for work until very late in the pregnancy.

Babyroobs · 06/02/2024 21:53

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 21:44

No I’m not a lone parent and it’s a joint claim. I just wondered if it would affect my money? They’ve told me I need to be looking for work when my son turns 3 which is in March. Just wanted to know what they would say to me if I was to fall pregnant?

thanks for the reply

If they do want you to look for work ( they may not if your partner earns enough for you to stay in light touch), then you would not be exempt until 28 weeks.

WithACatLikeTread · 06/02/2024 21:59

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 21:44

No I’m not a lone parent and it’s a joint claim. I just wondered if it would affect my money? They’ve told me I need to be looking for work when my son turns 3 which is in March. Just wanted to know what they would say to me if I was to fall pregnant?

thanks for the reply

How much does he earn? It won't affect your UC because you won't get anything for them. Maybe bedroom rates if renting though?

Moongirls · 06/02/2024 22:07

Nonametonight · 06/02/2024 21:48

Being pregnant doesn't exempt you from looking for work until very late in the pregnancy.

I just made sure every interview I went to when pregnant that i was very honest (told them I was pregnant and that I had autism and all the things I struggled with), so I was meeting my obligations as far as UC were concerned looking for work but nobody was going to employ me so I wasn’t sanctioned or forced to work as I was doing what was expected …

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 22:18

I think he earns around £1800 a month after tax, so not sure if he earns enough for me to not work?

WithACatLikeTread · 06/02/2024 22:22

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 22:18

I think he earns around £1800 a month after tax, so not sure if he earns enough for me to not work?

He does earn enough. Not sure about renting but if you have a mortgage you will just get the same amount of money with nothing for the third.

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 22:23

Ok thanks for the info! Yeah we rent a 3 bedroom so I think we would still be taxed on the 3rd bedroom.

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 22:26

I’m not sure he does earn enough for me not to be working? Otherwise surely they wouldn’t be telling me to start looking for work when my son turns 3? It’s all so confusing 😂

WithACatLikeTread · 06/02/2024 22:34

TheLemonBear · 06/02/2024 22:26

I’m not sure he does earn enough for me not to be working? Otherwise surely they wouldn’t be telling me to start looking for work when my son turns 3? It’s all so confusing 😂

Yeah but they won't be pushing it hard for you to find work. If need be remind them he earns over the couples AET and you are in light touch.