UC trigger question

Nicscot

I am looking for advice in regards to my situation please
We are a couple, partner in full time work and myself at home with two small children in reciept of tax credits.

Original plan was for myself to enter into part time work once youngest started nursery (eldest started primary this yr). Sadly, my youngest was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition during summer holidays. We have accrued significant debt with loss of work pay and hospital appointments.

She is eligible for DLA which is predicted to be middle rate. I will be caring for her in the meantime.

Although im not too concerned about moving over to UC (our area goes full service this month), I am extremely worried about the 6 week wait because we have had to use our overdraft and borrow due to the large costs we have had with hospital appointments, time off work etc. I worked out we probably need at least 4 months to claw our way out of.it.

My questions are please;
1. I know DLA doesnt come under UC but I cant find any information as to whether claiming this will trigger a move to UC - am i under obligation to report a dla claim to tax credits and if so will this trigger a move?

2. I see that becoming eligible for carers can trigger a move to UC - does this mean that if we recieved middle rate dla, because I would probably meet the requirements for carers allowance even if we did not apply for it, would we be moved over to UC?

I'm sorry if this doesnt make sense or are silly questions, I'm still very much taken aback by my daughter's diagnosis and going through a difficult time.

Thank you for your time.

poppy12345

Nicscot wrote: »

My questions are please;
1. I know DLA doesnt come under UC but I cant find any information as to whether claiming this will trigger a move to UC - am i under obligation to report a dla claim to tax credits and if so will this trigger a move?

2. I see that becoming eligible for carers can trigger a move to UC - does this mean that if we recieved middle rate dla, because I would probably meet the requirements for carers allowance even if we did not apply for it, would we be moved over to UC?

I'm sorry if this doesnt make sense or are silly questions, I'm still very much taken aback by my daughter's diagnosis and going through a difficult time.

Thank you for your time.

1. A successful claim for DLA will not prompt a move to UC even when reporting a possible award to HMRC.


2. You can only claim carers allowance if you earn less than £120 per week after deductions. If you don't apply for it then nothing happens.

Alice_Holt

If DLA care is awarded, this may mean you would be eligible for the disabled element of CTC's.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/disabled-children
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/financial-support-if-you-or-your-child-has-a-disability

A middle (or high) rate of DLA may enable you to claim Carers Allowance (plus NI credits towards the state pension)
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Not sure why you think this would trigger a move to UC? Can you explain why you think this is the case.
Carers Allowance is separate from UC (like DLA), and is not means tested (but as poppy says does have an earnings ceiling).

If DLA is awarded, I would suggest a benefits check at your local advice agency. Take your complete household income and details with you.