Universal credit confusion

worrywort21

Hi, I wonder if someone in the know can help me? I have riead all the literature on the new universal credit I can find but I am still really confused. I live with my partner who works full time for £1600 a year, we have 4 children ages 2, 6, 6 and 12, all are home educated. We currently receive tax credits, a small amount of working tax and a amount of housing benefit. I realise the changes wont affect us until the youngest turns 5 but am wondering what happens then? I understand I will be expected to work but I really need to be at home throughout the day for the childrens education so would need to work evenings or rually for myself, I make crafts that I had planned on doing on a more full time basis with a view to an online shop as the children get older. However this new UC makes me think that wont be allowed? So, does anyone know if it would be considered acceptable under their rules for me to set up in business fit or if I would have to seek employment and if so what hours would I be required to work? Cant see how I can fit 35 hours into evening work and be fit to teach my kids the next day, its all very concerning, Thanks to all for reading and advice is very welcome!

quinechinoise

While I don't have a lot of information to impart (perhaps someone else can fill in the many blanks), I do have a couple of pointers for you.

As far as I understand it, UC assumes a minimum income. So, if you were self-employed as a crafter, then UC would assume you work regular full-time hours receiving either the equivalent of minimum wage or whatever higher amount you declared. There is nothing to prevent you from setting up a self-employed business. If you think you can do it successfully, go for it!

The minimum income thing would apply to your partner too. Is the figure £1,600 p.a. a typo...?

In 3 years' time, your eldest will be 15 and should be able to do significant amounts of self-study just like their peer group. The middle two would be 9 years old and be able to do more independent study. (The teenager could also supervise a small amount of time per day - just like a prefect would at school, which they'd be the right age for.) The youngest would be 5 and would not spend that much time studying - KG is mostly learning through play, so you'd just have to increase your ability to work through the noise! (Alas, something that most WAHMs have to do.)

There is a specific benefits forum here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=139
You might find more information or more clued-up folks on that forum.

HTH x

PermaHeretic

I thought you might be interested in my blog post about how the Universal Credit rules will affect the self-employed. 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.