Got job offer but won't start for 2 weeks, do i tell Universal Credit?

SurviveTomorrow

I'm on Universal Credit.

I've just been offered a job, and accepted, but they have to do screening and stuff so I won't actually start until the 7th of December (or possibly later)

I'm a bit apprehensive about telling UC as I'm not sure how it works. Do they just stop paying me as soon as I tell them? Do they pay me until the start date? Do they expect me to continue searching for work in that time period? (As a sidenote, I'm waiting to hear back from another job that I may take instead of this one if I receive an offer.)

HappyMJ

SurviveTomorrow wrote: »

I'm on Universal Credit.

I've just been offered a job, and accepted, but they have to do screening and stuff so I won't actually start until the 7th of December (or possibly later)

I'm a bit apprehensive about telling UC as I'm not sure how it works. Do they just stop paying me as soon as I tell them? Do they pay me until the start date? Do they expect me to continue searching for work in that time period? (As a sidenote, I'm waiting to hear back from another job that I may take instead of this one if I receive an offer.)

I wouldn't mention it to HMRC until you've done a few days of work and know you will be staying on in this position.

They stop payment until they get more up to date information from you then back pay you any arrears. As you may not be paid for a month this may cause you some financial difficulty.

SurviveTomorrow

HappyMJ wrote: »

I wouldn't mention it to HMRC until you've done a few days of work and know you will be staying on in this position.

They stop payment until they get more up to date information from you then back pay you any arrears. As you may not be paid for a month this may cause you some financial difficulty.

That sounds logical and the most pleasant for me, but wouldn't that be against the rules? It really sounds like something I'd get in trouble for.

elsien

I'd tell them on the day I start, not beforehand. Personally I wouldn't wait till a few days into the job.
Doesn't hurt to carry on job hunting in the meantime - sometimes things change or are delayed so you might need a plan B.

tomtontom

I think MJ means the DWP ...

You don't need to mention it as long as you continue to fulfil your agreement. You must continue job seeking until you close your UC claim.

NewShadow

When I was unemployed, a few years back, I mentioned to my advisor that I'd been offered a job subject to checks, and she was just very pleased for me.

I did have to keep looking for other work, but they arranged to give me some cash towards the first months train ticket, and as it had been 6 months, a run on of LHA/CTC.

All I had to do was post in my booklet the day before (Sunday) I started.

I appreciate others may have more of an Us vs Them experience, but I was always friendly and honest, and had nothing but support and help from the JC+

DCFC79

elsien wrote: »

I'd tell them on the day I start, not beforehand. Personally I wouldn't wait till a few days into the job.
Doesn't hurt to carry on job hunting in the meantime - sometimes things change or are delayed so you might need a plan B.

I would do this OP, if you don't get a chance to call them on day 1 then call the day after.

TELLIT01

I would call them either the day you start the job or the day before, not any earlier. Too many things can change between the job offer being made and actually starting work. Do not follow the suggestion of HappyMJ to delay informing DWP (not HMRC) until you are sure you will stay in the job. That could lead to overpayment, and potentially a fine, as you have to inform DWP of any change of circumstances at the earliest opportunity.

sammyjammy

Just to add under Universal Credit your claim doesn't close, if you are entitled to Housing benefit/Tax credits these allowances would be continue to be paid under the UC banner, even if you don't claim anything once you start work the claim remains open (I think for six months).

andygb

I am due to start a job in a couple of weeks time, and I will delay telling the job centre until the first day of work has been completed, because at the moment I have not received enough details from the employer (contract, confirmation of DBS check) to be certain of what is happening.