UC or not?

[Senparentingonandon]

I’m currently working FT as is my husband and paying a fortune for an after school special needs nanny for our DD. From September we are moving unavoidably and I’m having to stop working FT.
My new very PT role means I will be eligible for carers allowance. Filling in all our details, we would also be eligible for a small amount of UC. But I also hear horror stories about UC and I’m wondering what people’s experiences are? If you are only eligible for a very small award is it worth the pain? Practically I won’t have childcare for my child and she likely won’t have a school place for a while… so even making time to go to appointments would be really challenging. I’m annoyed I’m in this position to be honest…. But the reality is I can’t work FT with my child without a school place.
PS Please don’t give advice about school places as I am 100% on top of this bit. But it can’t be quickly sorted.

If you are eligible for UC, I would claim it. CA will be deducted £ for £, but if that will still mean you receive some UC, even if a small amount, I would claim. It all helps. There is usually an initial meeting when you first claim. Since you are a carer, you won’t have work commitments and there shouldn’t be ongoing meetings about that.

There are other benefits to claiming UC. For example, some places offering UC entry prices. Some of these places offer UC entry prices to those on CA &/or DLA too, but not all do. Another example, some energy companies have social tariffs that some claiming UC are eligible for. If you will be claiming UC longer term, Help to Save is worth doing if you can save even a small amount. From September, it will also mean DD is eligible for free school meals. Even if not in school (except for EHE), vouchers can be issued. Or if AP is being made as it should be and any potential disability related needs, e.g sensory needs, allow, some APs provide lunch.