May have to leave job, what would happen to my UC?

Drummer82

I recently moved area and changed from Tax Credits and Housing Benefit to Universal Credit.
I work 30hrs a week and am a single parent to a 13 and 16 year old.

I have been commuting to work Monday to Friday for just over 2 months. Its about an 1hr and half- 2hrs each end of the day and costs around £200 in fuel.
I'm obviously looking for work in the new area, but have not managed to find anything with the right hours or sufficient pay. I'm looking for full-time, permanent job.
I was not intending to commute for very long and it is starting to take its toll.

I asked to work from home for one day under the flexible working policy but they have refused.

I cannot afford to commute for much longer and I lose a lot of time each end of the day, and to be honest I'm exhausted.

We have now been told we will be moving office, though not sure when, but it will definitely be before the end of April next year, which will mean me paying for parking, adding more cost onto my already costly commute. My colleague is also leaving in a few weeks and I will have a lot more work pressures put upon me when she does.

Its having an effect on my stress levels as I'm trying to juggle everything as a single parent. To top it off my son has not been going to college as there is nobody here to make sure he is going.

I may have to look for temporary work, but most places want an immediate start and I have to give a month's notice. If I start my notice now, I may have more of a chance getting something in place before xmas at least.

Does anybody know what would happen if I gave in my notice, but if for any reason I did not have another job lined up straight after and there may be a short period with no income, Would they sanction me?

I need to hand my notice in asap, as I don't know how much longer I can cope, I would have all the intentions to have something(I have a job interview this week), but I just need some reassurance that there would be a back up there for my rent to be covered should the worse happen?

calcotti

I think DWP have a view that a 90 minute commute is reasonable in which case more than this would not be.

The best thing to do would be to discuss with your work coach.

Drummer82

Thanks, though I don't have a work coach, can I just call and seek advice on the general line? Or would Citizens Advice be any help?

Alice_Holt

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit-Sanctions/How-much-will-a-Universal-Credit-sanction-be

I think that a sanction rather depends on your work coach - they seem to have quite a bit of discretion.
Can you put your case for needing to change jobs on family grounds to your work coach and get an indication of the likely response before leaving?

If no designated work coach, I wonder if you could broach it on your UC journal.

calcotti

Forgot you wouldn’t have a work coach as you are in work. As no work coach possibly ring helpline and speak to case manager?

Drummer82

Thanks, its also finding time to call as I get back quite late and they will be closed

What can I write on my Journal to get help with this?

huckster

Don't bother with Journal, as they won't advise on this issue.

A Work Coach would not make a decision either. It would be up to a Decision Maker who is based elsewhere in the country. They will want evidence of your situation, to see whether you have given good enough reason for giving up paid work.

Can you supply evidence of your journey times in excess of 90 minutes (some form of log) and issues with looking after your family as a single parent. Can you obtain a letter from your employers about the situation and that they are not able to offer any solutions e.g. changes to working hours/days or change of work location or working from home ?

Unfortunately no one in DWP is going to give you an answer before you hand in your notice. You would do what you feel is best, but gather evidence first and then if you handed in your notice, submit evidence via your nearest Job Centre for a Decision Maker to have a look at.

huckster

The other point to mention is that if you were sanctioned, they would only sanction the standard allowance. So if you included Housing rent, they would still pay that element and they would also pay an amount for the children.

Please be aware that depending on when your employers pay you, if it is in an assessment period, after you have left employment, you could be waiting to receiving any UC payment not affected by earnings. Many employers seem to report the last wages paid, over a week after they actually paid them.

calcotti

huckster wrote: »

The other point to mention is that if you were sanctioned, they would only sanction the standard allowance. So if you included Housing rent, they would still pay that element and they would also pay an amount for the children..

My understanding is that a sanction is calculated on the amount of the standard allowance but other elements of the award are not protected. The UC award in total is one award. The sanction, once calculated, is applied to the whole award. This means that if there is other income which has reduced the amount of the award already when the sanction is applied it can erode the housing (or other elements).

huckster

Calcotti

Yes agree, that the sanction deduction could have the affect you mention.

sammyjammy

Have you looked into other ways of commuting? Train? Anyone you can car share with?