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Childcare vouchers (old style) - impact of moving to higher tax bracket
As my daughter was born in 2016 I have been claiming childcare vouchers through my employer since she started nursery, and we didn't switch to the tax-free childcare scheme as her father was about to breach the cut-off point. Although we have recently separated at the moment we are still using the childcare vouchers to pay…
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Universal Credit Transitional Protection Payment When does it end
I migrated from WTC last March. Reported at the time that we had savings of over £16k and still do. Our first payment was on 29th March 2024 and have received 13 payments since then, latest will be 29th April 2025 for £12. Just wondering when does Universal credit stop or do I just request to close my claim. I was under…
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New UC claim and working
Hi, I was hoping for some advice as I'm new to doing this in regards to UC. I made an application recently and it was approved. I was advised I will hear back in May about how much I'm entilted too. I'm confused however, as they offered me an advance of £700.00 which I haven't accepted. Basically my circumstances are that…
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JSA application start date and last day at work (7 days)
Hi, I have been informed that my last day at work will be on May 4th so I am planning on claiming JSA as I won't have any income once my contract ends. I've read that it can take about a week after applying for the JSA to start, so my question is - considering that I already know my last day at work, can I start applying…
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Housing benefit & council tax support overpayment query
Hi I have only recently realised that the build up of state pension and attendance allowance in my parents bank account means they're not entitled to the HB and CTS they're currently getting. I'm going through some bank statements right now to work out a rough estimate of what will need to be paid back before I contact the…
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im baffled with UC
Hi, I have just been swapped over from esa to UC . it should have been paid on the 16th but i contacted them and they said they would release the funds, they did say that they were still waiting to have confirmation that the rental part f my housing costs needs to be confirmed by the housing association. The payment I just…
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Universal credit advice for a friend - search for work or receive sanctions
I am looking for some advice on behalf of a friend who is currently claiming UC and works part time (16 hours a week); she has recently been advised that she needs to search for more work otherwise she will receive sanctions and is concerned that this will end up with her being made homeless; I know she struggles already…
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Problems with Universal Credit awarding National Insurance Credits
Hi there, I'm on the Money team and am back from maternity leave covering benefits and pensions. We have had a handful of readers get in touch with us concerned that their NI credits awarded via Universal Credit are missing. We understand that a relatively new system was put in place to automate this and want to get a…
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Capital disregard period coming to an end
I own a property abroad and have declared everything truthfully, including when I put it up for sale six months (26 weeks) ago. I have also provided ample evidence and explanations. The property is worth more than £16,000. The capital has kindly been disregarded by the DM a few months back, but the disregard period is now…
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help
my mum is 85 and on full pension credit and gets her housing (privately rented) paid for her and her council tax paid etc. She is moving to an almshouse in another county. How do we go about changing her benefits from one council to another?
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Rent Increases and UC Migration Notice
So finally I received the migration notice to be claimed by 17th July 2025 Having just notified the council of Housing Association increases and getting the new update, the new rates start in mid-May from the council. My question is, is it best to wait until new rent amounts are due to start the Universal Credit claim, or…
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subletting a room whilst on UC
Hello, I am a single mum with two boys. I receive UC and the housing element of it. My boys are older and sometimes spend time with their father. I was thinking of letting their room out to students whilst their at not at home to make a little extra money. I read that you can make up to £7500 a year renting a room and that…
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Child benefit
Currently my wife is receiving £170.20 per month from HMRC Child benefit. Her basic salary is £18,500 and my basic salary has just increased to £52k before tax and not including any overtime. Can she still claim the benefits or is it now time to stop? I have looked but still confused. Any help would be appreciated
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Pet insurance and pet food expenses on universal credit
Hello newbie here , my partner and I are in a legacy benefit and will be changing over to uc when they say but I’m worried on how they will see a debt of 107 per month for pet insurance and bills for pet food as he eats better than us! He’s a 20 year old fur baby with multiple condition who is our emotional support and our…
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Reconfirm Free Childcare
Hi my little boy started nursery at the end of February this year and I was given my 10 digit code for the free childcare on 5th February. I received an email from the government this morning telling me I have to reconfirm all my details by 20th May to continue getting the free childcare. I was aware already I have to do…
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UC Monthly Assessment & PayPal
Hi I have over £6000 in my bank so I know I need to declare it every month. Do I also have to put my PayPal balance? If so do I still need to declare zero balance PayPal?
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Claiming universal credit when setting up my own business
Hi all! I was wondering if someone could help me with the below please: I am currently employed, however I am looking to resign to set up my own business. I have funding for this business, so I will be able to provide a realistic business plan etc to universal credit. My questions are: * If I resign from my job and then…
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How do UC know about money in bank
Previously I posted about my situation having to give up my job to care for my daughter. I recieved a PILON payment and loss of office payment. This took me over £16,000. Thanks to everyone that answered. I have paid my two overdrafts, car repairs and a couple of debts so am now under £16,000. UC obviously know about the…
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Contributions based ESA, Universal Credit and medical compensation payment / Trust fund
How would a medical compensation payout affect contributions based ESA? How about for Universal Credit (presuming the ESA will end and I will have to apply for UC because of proposed changes). How would any Trust fund work if the damages go into that and not directly to me? Thank you
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ESA Credits only claim
I phoned ESA this morning to do a ESA credits only claim for my 16 year old child. I made it very clear to the person on the phone that I want a ESA credits only claim no money. He wanted my bank details I said to him but there is going to be no money involved. But he insisted that if he leaves it blank the application…
