How does UC work these days?

cloudyz

I'm a bit confused. I lost my job due to current global issues and have a child with a diagnosed panic, anxiety disorder and destructive behaviour and as he was out of school for 6 months prior due to the anxiety and panic It got to the point where he wouldn't leave the house because of fear of infection, and sensory problems (he doesn't have autism, that was checked 6 years ago).  I applied for UC and they made the claim, I believe they said as a carer, and then I had to change the claim from job seeking to carer and when I was at the job centre today the person said I actually need to have a mid/high level DLA claim so I need to apply for that before the claim can be swapped. I've just read about the eligibility criteria and if anything he might get the lower one, though I'll assume not.  My confusion comes from how to manage getting a new job and getting child care as he won't have anyone he doesn't know near him and all I have are my parents who are 80 and not fully with it any more.

   

poppy12345

They are correct that to claim the carers element you need to have a mid/high rate care award of DLA for your son. For this you need to show that he needs more care and attention that a child of the same age without a disability. See link. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/before-you-claim-dla/check-if-you-can-get-dla/

Do you claim UC with a partner or is it a single claim? Your work coach should should make adjustments for any caring responsibilties you have regarding children even without the carers element, especially if the child is under 13.

tomtom256

Ask your work coach what your expected hours are, they should respond with this and/or what does your claimant commitment say:

Age 3 or 4	You will be expected to work a maximum of 16 hours a week, or spend 16 hours a week looking for work. This might include some training and work-focused interviews.
Age between 5 and 12	You will be expected to work a maximum of 25 hours a week, or spend 25 hours a week looking for work. This might include some training and work-focused interviews.
Age 13 and above	You will be expected to work a maximum of 35 hours a week, or spend 35 hours a week looking for work. This might include some training and work-focused interviews.