Change trigger, move to UC- Waiting?

Fi_83

Hi There,
Hoping one of you guys would be so kind to help as I am clueless!

I receive tax credits which I need to pay my childminder. I've recently started a new job which changes my salary and childcare costs increase. My area is now all under universal credit. I think this change will trigger me moving to UC, which I THINK means I actually will be better off...

My query is - will my payments stop for 6/7 weeks? We could not financially cope for this time as my childcare costs are so high. I am very worried about this

poppy12345

Fi_83 wrote: »

Hi There,
Hoping one of you guys would be so kind to help as I am clueless!

I receive tax credits which I need to pay my childminder. I've recently started a new job which changes my salary and childcare costs increase. My area is now all under universal credit. I think this change will trigger me moving to UC, which I THINK means I actually will be better off...

My query is - will my payments stop for 6/7 weeks? We could not financially cope for this time as my childcare costs are so high. I am very worried about this

This will not trigger a move to UC because you're already claiming tax credits.

Some people will be better of claiming UC but you do need to make 100% sure that you will be before deciding to change. Once you claim UC then your tax credits will stop and there's a 5 week wait for your first payment under UC.

Fi_83

Thanks Poppy!!

We would be seriously better off on UC but we wouldn't be able to survive the 5 weeks with our childcare costs especially now they have increased. Bit of a depressing situation

pmlindyloo

If you have 3 or more children then you cannot apply for Universal Credit - not sure if this is relevant to you.

As Poppy has said you have a choice in your circumstances - continue with tax credits or move to Universal Credit.

Remember that you can ask for an advance payment of your Universal Credit and this can be paid back over one year.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/get-advance-payment/

I don't know whether it is worth speaking to your child care provider about your circumstances or whether you can borrow the money until your UC is sorted out.

I agree with Poppy that you should seek advice about your circumstances before making a decision whether to switch. CAB should be able to do a better off calculation. You may find it is worth switching if you are considerably better off on UC and finding a way to cope with the financial situation. You could 'hold off' changing if you feel that you could save some money to counteract the 5 week waiting period.

If you have no 'buffer' then it may be more sensible to continue as you are.