Universal Credit, Self Employed, Single Parent.

Lilyann

Hi, I'd like to know what the current state of play is with regard UC, single parenting (youngest 5) and self employment.

1. I understand we will be expected to earn at least minimum wage.
2. I have heard we will have to work 35 hours per week.

I've heard lots of different things about hours though. I know the start up years will be more relaxed.

Has anyone got advice on the hours needed?

PermaHeretic

No, I don't think the DWP have produced any definite guidance about this yet. But with children between 5 and 12 you are allowed to work hours that are compatible with school hours - which is all very well if you find an actual job, but tying to work this out notionally is nigh impossible, when considering how nebulous 'school hours including travel time' can be, and also you are expected to travel 90 minutes away to work.

I thought you might be interested in my blog post about how the Universal Credit rules will affect the self-employed. There are some comments about this matter - somewhere near the bottom I think. I am a new user and they won't allow me to post links, but do a Google search for Permaculture House in Totnes and you'll find it. Also search Facebook for Universal Credit and the Self Employed.

Oh, and write to your MP and Iain Duncan Smith and ask them!

[Deleted User]

This is something that concerns me too.

I am a single parent, self employed (started 2 months ago) and making the minimum wage x 16 hours. But it concerns me that these news changes will make things harder for me and I can't find any definites of what I should be working towards to meet UC requirements.

I was hoping to put myself in the situation of already working their targets so when changeover happen I'd be used to their system, but I can't find this info out. I don't think they know yet.