Working as a loan parent with a 6 year old

[WhatToDoHmmm]

Hi everyone.

I currently work roughly 16 hours a week and receive universal credit.
However I've recently had a phone call from universal credit saying I need to look for a job with at least 35 hours a week.

Does anyone here know what the required working hours are for a lone parent with a child under the age of 13?

I'm really stressing out because there's no realistic way I can see myself caring for my child and working 35 hours a week

www.usdaw.org.uk/Help-Advice/Money-Benefits/Benefits-Tax-Credits/Universal-Credit-for-people-in-work

According to this, you are expected to look for 35 hours unless your child is under 5. There are some other exemptions as well. CAB or your union at work (if you have one) can also advise.

While your child is under 13 your work coach has to make sure your work activity fits around school or nursery hours. This includes the time it takes you to travel there and back.
There is nothing to stop you looking for more hours - you may not find anything. The
Job market is insane at the moment I would be incredibly surprised. But if you look you never know. And that should be enough to satisfy your work coach.
There are supppsed to be no sanctions at the moment due to covid anyway so I am incredibly surprised they called you.

This explains why a friend of mine had another baby when her eldest was 5 😂

Thank you everyone, I've been informed by another work coach I'm only required to do 25 hours a week. (if your child is over the age of 4 but under 13).

I was shocked because before I had my job I was told by my work coach 16 hours or more (my child was 5 at the time).

During my last telephone conversation with my last work coach (to check my job was going OK) She said 'you won't hear from us again unless your hours drop'.

Then bam right in the middle of a pandemic, go find a job with more hours.

Can I just say, single parent of a 6 year old here, works full time 35 hours a week, it is hard but after a few weeks you will settle into a routine. Pre covid DC had a gymnastics class and a swim class once a week.